• The Grace Presbyterian Session met on April 19 at 6 pm in the church alcove with one participant on Zoom. The meeting was opened and closed with prayer.
• The docket and omnibus motion were approved.
  • This includes planning for only one worship service at 10 am on July 4 and approving Scott Randle to preach on May 30 and Geoff Snook to preach on June 6.
• The Session looked at our Covid safety protocols for worship. It was voted on to keep all protocols in place but to give the ushers at 11 am some flexibility to go over the 80 number if there are empty pews.
• A Deep Roots report was given. Construction on the family restroom is underway, and we are getting bids to clean the outside of the building.
• There was a GPC/JLL family event in the parking lot at 6:30 pm during the meeting, so the Session joined the event for about 20 minutes.
• In advance of the meeting, Catherine sent articles to the Session about online worship and Gallup data on church membership. The Session discussed the articles and implications at Grace.
• There was a discussion about reaching out to church members who have not returned to in person worship.
• The Session discussed the Rekindle grant proposal that Bill Vavra, Carolyn Shaw, and Catherine Neelly Burton put together.
• Reports were given, and the financials were approved and received. A new policy for unused special funds and memorial funds was given to Session by the Board of Trustees and approved.
• Elyse Scholl, Bronwen Burch, and Alisa Watkins were elected as commissioners to the May 11 presbytery meeting.

Red Cross Blood Drive: June 20

Grace hosts its next Red Cross Blood drive on June 20, from 8 am – 1 pm.  The blood collected at our February 21 drive went to St Joseph Via Christi here in Wichita.

Every two seconds someone in the US needs blood.

• One pint of blood (the approximate amount given in a donation) can be used to help up to three people.
• About 1/3 of the US population is eligible to give blood.
• Five million patients in the US need blood every year.

Sign up to donate by calling the Grace office – 684-5215, or by going to redcrossblood.org

You may use the “rapid pass” and save time on the day of your donation.

Dear Grace Community,

On Monday, May 17, the Grace Session discussed the updates to the CDC guidelines on masks and updated our policies.  Starting today, anyone who is fully inoculated may choose whether or not to wear a mask while in the Grace building. This includes worship, meetings, and events.  Masks are still required for those who are not inoculated. The Session meets next on June 21 and addresses the guidelines again.

We continue to socially distance in worship, with tape on the pews in the sanctuary. However, we are moving our maximum number from 80 to 100, recognizing that people are sitting more closely in pews so there is more space. Based on our average worship attendance for the last two months, this should eliminate the need for anyone to go to the Great Room for overflow.

We rejoice that the vaccine is effective, and we give thanks for the chance to be together.

In Christ,
Catherine

Each spring we hold a party to say “Thank You” to all the volunteers who make ministry happen at Grace.  Last spring the party didn’t happen, so this year we are READY!  If you’ve ever volunteered at Grace, even one time, we want you to come to the party.

The party this year is in the east parking lot at 6:30 pm on June 9.  There is live music and dessert.  We know that some of you are ready to dine in public, others of you are not, and outdoor dessert seems like a good way to go this summer.  In addition, we have door prizes!  Come, see members of the community, fellowship, enjoy some music, and have some dessert.

Sunday, June 6, is our Annual Mission Trip Car Wash.

This year’s money raised goes to support 27 youth and guides on their Mission Trip to Copperhill, Tennessee. We partner with TEAMeffort to serve the surrounding area with much needed home repairs and painting. Youth are challenged and pushed outside of their comfort zones allowing them to experience God through worship, music, testimony, service, and community.

All you have to do is park your car and register at the table by the coffee bar.  We will get your car, wash it, and return it to its parking space. Or if you would like, just drive through, as we know many may not want to attend church in person yet.  We are most appreciative of any donation you can make! Please donate at the table with cash, check or card or from you car.