Happenings and Messages from Grace Lutheran Church! | |
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This is a quick weekly reminder of what is happening at Grace
in worship and in ways to connect and serve.
Sunday Worship
8:30am (Traditional) and 10:15am (Contemporary)
Wednesday Nights
5:30pm Bible Study and 6:30pm Worship
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Neighboring Practices at Andover Family Fun Fest
Our Unraveled Sermon Series ended last week. This Sunday we are picking up where we left off after Easter- Jesus Resurrection and the days that followed before we turn to fall and begin again in the Old Testament. This Sunday's text is Acts 1:1-14, the story of Jesus' ascension, and the beginnings of the early church. Jesus says in verse 8, "You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." The development of the early church is a great place for us to look at how the good news of Jesus spread, starting in the neighborhood and expanding to the ends of the earth! I have been reflecting on this this week while I prepare for my sermon on Sunday.
Our Faith Practices and Neighboring Practices Team at Grace, also thought it would be a great idea to practice being neighbors this summer. Throughout our learning cohort group we have learned different ways to be neighbors:
Ambient Neighboring: a collection of simple practices of presence and hospitality that give you a chance to get to know your neighborhood and extend a friendly welcome to neighbors. Examples: neighborhood walks, welcoming new neighbors to the community, warmly greeting neighbors, sharing messages of welcome (maybe on our sign)
Show Up Neighboring: is a collection of practices that give you a chance to simply show up and take part in the life of the community. Examples: attending neighborhood association or city council meetings, organizing church members to attend community events together, walking in or attending parades, and more!
Social Neighboring: is a collection of practices that bring neighbors together to build community, discern collective action, stand in solidarity, and have fun. Examples: host a block party, house meetings, candidate forums, community meals, and vigils as well as scheduling regular one to one conversations with neighbors.
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Our Faith Practices and Neighboring Practices team have engaged in many of these practices already. Maybe you personally or as a family have done this as well. This weekend is Andover Family Fun Fest! We wonder if you plan to attend? If you do, might you keep your mind on neighboring practices? How will you share messages of welcome? How will you listen to your neighbors and community? Will you meet someone new? Might you join us in strengthening your neighboring heart this summer by showing up and being intentional about your interactions with neighbors in our community. This fall we plan to invite our neighbors to our Grand Opening in hopes that they will come and see the transformation at Grace!
Blessings,
Pastor Maria Markman
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OK@Play Event
“The 70's Magic Sunshine Band” at the Draw
Join OK@Play on Thursday, July 18th at 6:30pm in The Draw Park & Amphitheater, 7401 Ramsey Parkway, Ramsey MN. We usually set up in the grass on the hill that faces the stage, bring your own lawn chair, food and drink is available there to purchase or you can bring your own. All are welcome. If you have any questions, call Ann Lange 763-438-5623.
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Children, Youth & Family News | |
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Summer Stretch!
Summer Stretch is in full swing! Today's adventures are going to Sand Creek Elementary for service projects and then to Average Joe's Archery. On Thursday, July 18th, the adventures will be going to Mississippi Watershed Clean Up and the Minnesota Zoo. Sign up for single day on REALM.
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For the Week of
July 1 to 5, 2024
We all hope that your observance of our 248th year of Independence was celebrated with family and friends with good food and great fireworks displays.
With the staff and daycare out of the building this past Friday, a lot of activity ensued by the contracting forces. Plumbing, fire suppression piping, duct installation, duct insulation, loud electric jackhammer demolition, taping and mud, welding, and tile installation were all busy.
Behind the white temporary walls, the finishing block work completes the last supporting beam of our widened hallway. Walls are framed for the janitor closet/laundry facility. The reception office is taped, mudded, and sanded and nearly ready for painting. One more mud application and follow-up sanding and the GRAMPS will be painting again. The painting works those industrious fellows completed earlier in the week has now been opened to wall and floor tile installation.
The revised waterman passed all its tests and is now being connected to the permanent meter, domestic services, fire suppression system, and irrigation. Once the electrical connections have been completed for the fire suppression system, the fire watch program can be lifted. At that point, we are on automatic control throughout the building.
The next week will see more painting in the pre-K restrooms followed by tile. The reception office will be ready for painting as will the widened hallway. All this painting requires additional help. If you could spare a day or two and have an interest in helping with this big task, please contact the church office and the connection will be made.
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Prayers of the Church
Please pray especially for: Brian Morris, Charlotte Anderson, Karla Qualey, Patty Michaelson, Kathy Tillery, Alden Riely, Carrie Orr, Isaac Gast, Lana Howell, Logan Fitzl, Lois Brandl, Ron Wagenknecht, Larry Heltemes, and Ann Lange. Those in need of long-term prayers: Teri Beckers, Lois Vadner, Jim & Cathy, Alex Bombard, Wayne Welle, Dan Husak, Rick & Linda Breyette, Judi Wold, Clint Trousil, Diane Rosky, Juleen Klawiter, Linda Christensen, and Ralph & Colleen Wernimont.
Pray for those who are mourning: the Fisher Family grieving the loss of their son.
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