yellow bags

Yellow Bags: August

Each month we invite you to participate in ‘yellow bag’ giving. This month our yellow bag donations go to the food pantry at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Wichita.

All non-perishable items are welcome, and these would be particularly helpful: canned fruit, applesauce, tuna, mayonnaise or miracle whip, ranch dressing, and ketchup. Take home a yellow bag when you’re in the building and bring it back with your donations.

Please remember to be aware not to donate open food packages, long out-of-date items, or items that do not have a long shelf life. Thank you to everyone who participates in this much needed mission of Grace.

 

Blessing of the Backpacks: August 14

backpack

On Sunday, August 14, we bless backpacks in worship at 9 am and 11 am. We take time in worship to offer a blessing to students, teachers, and school staff as they prepare for the new school year. This year we have water bottle stickers and backpack tags to share. Feel free to bring your backpack with you to worship on August 14!

Gull Lake Reflections

family

In late June we sent three families to Gull Lake in Michigan for family camp. We are grateful for the special financial gift that made this possible. Below are reflections on the week from Geoff and Jennifer Snook. They and their two younger sons were there for camp while their oldest son served on the camp staff.

From Geoff:

For me, this year was especially meaningful after a job loss in May. It was a blessing that we were able to attend Gull Lake Family camp this year through the generous assistance of Grace church members! I am inspired by summer staff (including our own Sam!) who work so hard on very long days so that others are able to rest and re-connect with God and with one another. Will (our youngest) grew in understanding of his identity in Christ and Isaac (our high schooler) was challenged to go deep in his faith. I am someone who is filled up by solitude, so I was surprised that through a week of Bible studies and teaching, I felt convicted that I needed to invest in my community…not for friendship alone, but for accountability in my spiritual life and relationship with the Lord.  Also…I don’t want to brag…I did the, “Big 5” this year: all three levels of the high ropes course (only rescued once!), zip line, climbing wall, Screamer Swing, and Pamper Pole! It was awesome!

From Jennifer:

Worship, zip lines, teaching, boat rides, worship, counselors, food, worship….are just a few of the highlights our family brought back from Gull Lake Ministries. Of course seeing Sam (a.k.a. DynaCo.) working with students was a huge treat,  but we all received our own teaching and challenges. Powerful, intentional worship is always my favorite piece, but the theme nights are a fun way for our family to connect. Our favorite was the Lego night. We connected with other families from our community and entertained friends for coffee before teaching began most mornings. Those were unexpected touch points that made this trip unique. We are so grateful to have spent a week with our family as we each grew in our own relationships with God.

 

Session Minute Summaries

Session Minute Summaries: May 16, June 5, and June 20

Full Session minutes are available upon request.

May 16, 2022

  • The Grace Session met on May 16 in the church alcove.
  • The meeting was opened with a devotional led by Jody Webster.
  • The Session joyfully received David Morris into membership. David joined by letter of transfer from the First Presbyterian Church of Salina. David’s wife Sarah joined at an earlier meeting.
  • There was discussion about the appearance of the baptismal font in the sanctuary. While not urgent, it was agreed upon that the font needs to be refinished and possibly modified to accommodate a larger bowl.
  • There was discussion on the railing in front of the choir loft.
  • The staffing consultant from Ministry Architects is at Grace June 13-14.
  • May 1 was the first Sunday to have intinction as our form of communion. It went well, and we will continue with this, while still offering pods to people who prefer them.
  • Financial reports were given and received.
  • Other reports were received.
  • Crystal Guerrero has been hired as the Director of Food Ministry.
  • A report was given on the Presbytery of Southern Kansas meeting held on May 7.
  • The meeting was closed with prayer.

June 5, 2022

  • The Grace Session met on Sunday, June 5, at 10 am in Room 103 for a called meeting to receive new members.
  • The meeting was opened and closed with prayer.
  • The Session joyfully received Mike and Mary Baker into membership. They join by letter of transfer from the First Presbyterian Church of El Dorado, Kansas.

June 20, 2022

  • The Grace Session met on June 20 in the church alcove and on Zoom.
  • The meeting was opened and closed with prayer.
  • Catherine gave an initial report on Mike Crain’s visit. (Mike is our consultant with Ministry Architects.)
  • Catherine presented information about the Covenant Network of Presbyterians and proposed that the Session study and join the network which seeks to empower churches to be welcoming to the LGBTQ community. Conversation and questions followed about why we would do this. Catherine will follow up at the next meeting. Nothing was decided.
  • Financial reports were given and received.
  • Other reports were received.
  • A report was given on the called meeting of the Presbytery that was held on May 25.
  • The Session discussed correspondence.