From the Pastor's Desk

From the Pastor’s Desk

Dear Grace Community,

I want you to know about a conversation your Session has engaged with since June. The topic is our church’s welcome of the LGBTQ community.  I initiated the conversation out of a desire for clarity.

In 2011 the PCUSA (our denomination) removed the language from our Book of Order that prohibited the ordination of members of the non-celibate LGBTQ community.  I do not recall there being many conversations about this at Grace.  I, or another pastor, may have written a newsletter article about it, but those of you who were here then will recall that it was a time of huge transition at Grace, and our focus was more inward.

In 2015 the PCUSA added language to the Book of Order stating that marriage involves a unique commitment between two people, traditionally a man and a woman, to love and support each other for the rest of their lives. It is also noted that no pastor is required to perform same-sex weddings, nor is a church required to hold one.

Our Session voted to say that we receive and review each request for same-sex weddings in the same way we do weddings between men and women and do not prohibit weddings because of sexuality.

Since that vote in 2015, we haven’t talked about this formally as a congregation or Session.  When I talk with visitors who might make Grace their church home, I share this history with them. For some in our congregation, this is all history; we talked about it, and we’re done.  For others, there is a desire to talk more.

I sensed that it was time to talk more, in part because when we don’t talk about something that people are curious or passionate about, the absence of words can be problematic.  I also know that someone looking for a church might wonder about these issues at Grace, and there is nowhere to point them for information.

After months of conversation, the Session has decided to create a statement of welcome to be shared on our website and in our weekly worship insert. This statement is still in draft form but essentially affirms what the PCUSA has said: that all people are welcome, and we choose leaders based on faith, gifting, and character, and not sexuality.  The Session votes on this in October.

I know that some of you long for more conversation and action, while some of you prefer that we not discuss this as a congregation ever again.  Therein lies one of the challenges of being a church.  I am reminded of what our Book of Order challenges us to be as a church, “a community of witness, pointing beyond itself through word and work to the good news of God’s transforming grace in Christ Jesus its Lord.”

I am glad to talk with any of you more about why I brought this up this summer or anything related to it.  Members of the Session are also glad to engage with you.

In Christ,
Catherine

bible

Journey Through Scripture

On Sunday, September 18, we begin our fourth journey through scripture.  Each fall we read stories that tell the big picture of the Old Testament, beginning in Genesis and ending with the prophets before Christmas.  Then we spend the winter and spring in one gospel book.  This year our book is Matthew.

Trick or Treat so Others May Eat

Spiderwebs Trick or Treat Instagram Post

This October our children and middle high youth “trick or treat” for food.  On Sunday, October 9, during the Sunday School hour (10 am), we meet in the Great Room and then canvas the neighborhood with grocery bags.  Each grocery bag includes an invitation to our neighbors to donate non-perishable food and to place the bag back on their porch on Sunday, October 16.  All donated items go to the Covenant Presbyterian Church food pantry.

On Sunday, October 16, we meet at Grace at 4:30 pm to go and collect the filled bags.  After we collect the bags, we return to Grace for pizza.

We need a few parents to help on October 9, and families of children and mid-high youth are invited to come on October 16 to join us for food pick-up and pizza.

Questions? Contact catherine@mygpc.org or kirk@mygpc.org

prayer

Join a 4-Week Group for Prayer and Study

Why do we pray to God?

Because we were created to live with God, who desires the prayers of our hearts. Our hearts long for God, for we need God’s help and guidance every day. – Presbyterian Children’s Catechism

Prayer is part of life as a Christian. Prayer is beautiful. Prayer can be overwhelming and confusing.

You’re invited to join a four-week group to study prayer and pray together. Look for sign-ups at Grace on Sunday or call the church office to sign up, 316-684-5215

Groups begin the week of September 25.

Group Times and Location:

Sundays September 25, October 2, 9, and 16 at 7:00 pm on Zoom

Mondays September 26, October 3, 10, and 17 at 6:30 pm at GPC

Wednesdays September 28, October 5, 12, and 19 at 6:30 pm in Eastborough

Thursdays September 29, October 6, 13, and 20 at 6:30 am at Great Harvest Bread

Thursdays September 29, October 6, 13, and 20 at 1:30 pm in Andover

(Full addresses available at Grace.)

The class discusses prayer using Christian Prayer for Today by Martha Moore-Keish.  Books are available at GPC for $10. Participants are not required to have the book, but it will deepen the experience. The groups also dedicate time to prayer.

yellow bags

Yellow Bags September 2022: Giving the Basics

This month’s recipient for our Yellow Bag donations is GIVING THE BASICS – WICHITA.  Grace has partnered with this organization in the past and looks forward to continuing this mission connection.  Below are the hygiene products most needed at GIVING THE BASICS.

giving the basics

body soap

hair conditioner

deodorant

laundry soap

skin lotion

maxi/mini pads

Shampoo

tampons

toilet paper

toothbrushes

toothpaste

wipes

Also, please note the new Yellow Bags with the Grace logo.  Feel free to use these bags to bring your items to the church, but PLEASE be sure to return the bags when not being used.  Thanks to the Missions team for purchasing the bags for our congregation.