Alternative Gift Market Update

Dear Grace Presbyterian Church,

I came across a letter recently, written in 1998, congratulating Grace Presbyterian on its first Alternative Gift Market. Those of you who’ve been around a while know that what we now call the Wichita Alternative Gift Market started as a mission project of Grace Church. The first market raised $358.00 for projects in the Alternative Gifts International (AGI) catalog. Harriet Prichard, the founder and president of Alternative Gifts International, said she wanted to “stand with you in mission.”

Fast forward 22 years. Through the leadership of Carolyn Benefiel and her team, the Market grew to include dozens of area churches and other non-profit ‘partners’ to share the idea of alternative giving across Wichita. In 2019, the 25th Annual Wichita Alternative Gift Market was held at First Presbyterian raising over $37,000 for AGI and local projects, including Grace’s bus pass ministry project.

We have come a long way as a church and as a member of our larger Wichita community.

We had our Market last Saturday, November 14. About 100 people spent $22,000 dollars to support projects around the world and here locally. The weather was beautiful (if a bit windy), and we saw both established supporters and new shoppers turn out for the event. It was wonderful. Don’t worry if you missed it – we’re offering a mini-market at AGI’s local office. You can call the AGI office (269-0635) and tell them you want to shop the Wichita Alternative Gift Market – they have everything you need (including our handmade ornaments), and they’ll do curbside delivery for you.

You can still make a huge impact. One dollar ($1.00) still buys 40 doses of medicine for backpack medics in Myanmar. You can still feed the hungry, fight for social justice, preserve the environment, educate children (especially girls in countries where women aren’t treated as equals), provide medical care…and change the life of someone you will never meet.

Join us. You can also shop online at alternativegifts.org – just make sure that you indicate you’re shopping to support the Wichita Alternative Gift Market. Be a part of this amazing Grace legacy.

Wichita Alternative Gift Market

Mini-market at the AGI office, 269-0635 or online at Alternative Gifts International

Thank you, Grace Church, for your continued faithful ministry to a world in need.

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Music Ministry News

Dear Grace Community,

I am delighted to share with you that Tyler Morris is our new Director of Music Ministries.  Tyler is a graduate of WSU and is the vocal music teacher at Derby High School.  He comes to us with a strong church music background having directed choirs and a praise band.

Tyler begins work at Grace on December 1.  I am deeply grateful to Ben Rivers and Kelsey Wise for coordinating music this fall.  Their work will allow for a smooth start for Tyler.  He’ll spend December learning more about who we are, working with the band and section leaders, and looking for creative ways to engage more of us in music in 2021.  Tyler is not completely new to Grace.  He subbed here as a section leader and filled in once for Sean Foster on a Wednesday night.  He holds our music program in high regard.

We’ll share more about Tyler in the coming weeks and let him introduce himself.  For now, I want to thank our search team: Pam Head, Dave McIntire, Charlene Randle, Janet Rhoads, and Bill Vavra.  Below are quotes from some team members.

In Christ,

Catherine

We were fortunate to have five excellent candidates to interview.  Tyler stood out, not only as a man of faith, but as an excellent musician that will take our choir to the next level.  I am confident that his personality will fit in well with our Grace family.  – Pam Head

We had several highly qualified individuals apply for this position.  We felt Tyler was the most well-rounded, bringing experience, enthusiasm, leadership abilities and someone our musicians would love to work with. – Janet Rhoads

 

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Devotional Resources

Grace makes devotional books available for anyone who wants them. Pick one up next time you’re here, or if you prefer to receive one in the mail, call the church office, 316-684-5215, and let us know.

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Nativity Scenes

nativity scenes

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Advent Wreaths at Home

advent wreathDo you want an Advent Wreath to use in your home?  If so, call the church office, 316-684-5215.  Advent Wreaths are available for $10.  We have sets of candles available for free.  You may pick them up or let us know if you want them delivered.  The Advent Wreaths are simple metal wreaths that you may decorate or use as they are.

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