GRACETIMES AUGUST2021 - Ely, Grace Lutheran Church
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GRACE TIMES AUGUST 2021
Rest for the weary
Mark 6:30-31
30
The apostles gathered around Jesus, and told him all that they had done and taught. 31 He said to them,
“Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and
they had no leisure even to eat.
Dear Grace Lutheran,
My first summer as a camp counselor at Sugar Creek Bible Camp was 2009. Our theme that summer
was “Come Away,” from the above verses from Mark 6:30-31. Each Bible study that summer centered on
variations of “Come Away.” Come away with friends. Come away by yourself. Come away with God.
Notice the way Jesus phrases this as an invitation. The invitation is “come,” as in “come with me.” Not
“get” away or “go” away, but “come” away. Jesus wants the disciples to join him in the deserted place to
rest, to sleep, to eat, to care for themselves because they were unable to even take time for a meal, let alone
anything else. Jesus recognized the need for rest. Jesus himself often takes time in Mark’s gospel to rest. He
goes up a mountain by himself to pray. He prays on his own in the garden. He even takes a nap in a boat
being tossed about by the waves and wind. Rest is important, not just physical rest but emotional and
mental and spiritual rest.
In July, I took a week to go do some continuing education on my own. I did not go to a conference
or set up time on Zoom for lectures. I found a place in northern Wisconsin on a lake to prep some book
studies for the fall. I read. I rested. I took walks. I sat by the lake and listened to loons. I drank coffee. I
deleted the email app from my phone. I ate some food I do not normally get to eat (fresh Wisconsin cheese
curds). I prayed. All in all, my continuing education time in July was not just to prep book studies but was
time for renewal and rest. I tended to my mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health, something that
was desperately overdue.
Since March 2020 when the pandemic really took hold of our world, we have not felt rested. We had
to suddenly and drastically shift everything we had ever been doing and we have not had the chance to stop.
Then, as more and more people got vaccinated, we continued to our non-stop effort to return to the things
we had been doing prior to the pandemic. We suddenly and drastically shifted again, and we are continuing
to do that, often without tending to the stress this causes us and our health.
So, my question to you is: when was the last time you took Jesus up on his invitation to come away
to a deserted place and rest? When was the last time you tended to what you needed? Physically?
Spiritually? Emotionally? Mentally? For many, the fall is when school, sports, and our busy schedules
return. I encourage you, before that time comes, to tend to yourself, to get some rest. Tend to your health, in
all its forms. We, as individuals and as a church, must take time to care for ourselves and each other.
Extend the grace we so desperately desire to yourself. Allow the emails to go unanswered for a day and
take a walk, go for a paddle, or simply shut off your phone. Allow yourself to heal a bit. Be gentle with
yourself for not feeling like yourself. Talk to a friend. Come talk to me. Pray.
Come away and rest.
In Christ,
Pastor Eric
Greetings Grace Lutheran,
It seems like during the month of July I was pulled in 16 different
directions. Maybe you have that feeling, too. I look forward to a slower
pace this month so I can take time to smell the flowers. Most of you know
that I have the setting to do this. Relaxation or a change of pace is good for
the soul.
Council highlights for July and other news:
July Council meeting was hybrid. Financial Report for the month of June: income for the month of June was
again less than budget. Total expenses for the month of June were less than budget. Year to date total
income is less than budget and year to date expenses are less than budget. This continued downward trend
in income should be a concern for us all. Please remember your church with your contributions.
Council has been discussing portions of an article by Carey Niewhof entitled, “The Coming Church Split (It’s
Not What You Think)”. We recognize that the pandemic is going to change the church. This article
addresses some of these realizations. As a church, as committees, as members, we encourage all to take a
look at what’s still working and what’s not and to look for ideas for change in order to move forward and not
backwards if things aren’t working.
At this meeting, we once again reviewed and evaluated our Smart Team plan. Further discussion led us to
relax some of our previous restrictions in regard to registering and social distancing. We will still seat every
other row in the sanctuary, but we have increased the number of people we can seat from 60 to 75. At this
time, we will still require masks for singing in the church.
Thank you to Joan and Allan Thoren for their donation to the Scholarship Fund. Joan and Allan’s daughter
received this scholarship from Grace when she was a senior. They want to “pay it forward”. I love this!
Many of our Grace family have had some fun times lately. About 40 in Graceful Dining met in Whiteside
Park for a picnic gathering. August Graceful Dining will be August 17, 5:00, at Larry and Sue Smith’s. The
theme will be “Salads are a Meal”. Pastor Eric planned a Christmas in July Service for July 25. You might
have seen some of us with Santa hats on. Both Pastor and I made decorated sugar cookies to serve
outside after the service.
You may not be aware that Grace has been serving out of area church youth groups this summer. We
received and granted three requests for groups to use our church fellowship hall for overnight “camping” the
night before they would leave on a Boundary Waters canoe trip.
August 22 we look forward to worship in Whiteside Park with Mike Frazier and his band providing special
music. This is always such a joyful service and is an opportunity for you to invite friends and neighbors to
join us in this special outdoor service.
Blessings,
BJ Kobierski, Church Council President
gracelutheranelymn@gmail.com
https://www.graceinely.org/
Please read all of the updated policies/procedures
thoroughly. If you have any questions please feel free to
speak with anyone from council or Pastor Eric.
Safety Procedures Update
As you know, our council continues to be diligent in paying attention to the safety of our
congregation and our community. Each time council meets, current safety procedures are
evaluated based on the best science and information available as well as what these safety
measures will mean for worship services and meetings taking place at Grace.
Please carefully read the updated Safety Procedures as they pertain to worship and
meetings at Grace. Not a lot has changed, but there are significant changes that were made
at the last council meeting in July. Please note the Meeting Safety Procedures take effect
Sunday, August 8th and the Worship Safety Procedures take effect Sunday, August 8th.
Here are some changes that were made:
1. Meetings
a. Masks optional if you are fully vaccinated. Masks required if you are not fully
vaccinated
2. Worship
a. Masks optional for those fully vaccinated. Masks required if you are not fully
vaccinated
b. Masks required for all while singing. Please have a masks available during the
service to put on for the hymns
c. Capacity increases from 60 to 75
d. There will be no more pre-registration. Instead, we are asking you to register/sign-in with
the ushers as you arrive.
As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to speak with anyone from council
or Pastor Eric. Thank you.
Return to In-Person Worship Guidelines
In Person Worship Guidelines and Information
Effective August 8th, 2021
1. If you are sick, have symptoms, or may have been exposed to someone who is
positive for covid, please stay home.
2. Facebook Live worship option will continue for those who do not yet feel comfortable
coming in person for worship
3. There will be no more pre-registration. Instead, we are asking you to register/sign-in
with the ushers as you arrive.
4. Masks
1. Masks are optional for those who are vaccinated.
2. Masks are required for those who are not vaccinated.
5. Social distancing will be observed in the sanctuary and/or the fellowship hall for
worship
6. Frequent use of hand sanitizer is encouraged
7. Ushers will be assigned to both the sanctuary and the fellowship hall.
1. They will be responsible for checking you in
2. Making sure you are in your appropriate seat
3. Will be responsible for enforcing social distancing requirements
8. Seating will be by family units or pods
1. Max capacity: 70
Signs will be made for the rows and the locations where people will be seated in each row.
Seating will be every other row
2. Each row can hold up to 6.
a. Seating in family units will be flexible. Extended families and close friends who are
vaccinated may be a pod.
b. Dismissals will go from back to front.
Various parts of worship will look and feel different
. Bulletins:
1. Distribution of bulletins will be flexible from week to week.
2. Participants will be encouraged to bring cell phone or iPad (silenced) to be
able to bring up the bulletin that is emailed.
3. Pastor or Brian may be able to provide a printed bulletin in either full or
abbreviated form.
a. Singing: Masks must be worn for singing. Singing as a congregation will be permitted
with masks.
b. Prayers/Responses in unison (example: Lord’s Prayer): May be spoken
c. Offering: plates will be located at the entrances to the sanctuary and fellowship hall. No
plates will be passed during the service
d. Sharing the peace: Will take place but you will have to remain in your seat area.
Waves, peace signs, and other acceptable gestures will be used. Shaking hands will not be
taking place.
e. Communion:
1. Everyone is given a communion cup as they enter and during the
appropriate time, everyone communes at the same time.
2. To dispose of your cups, each family unit/pod will be given a ziploc bag to
put the used cups in and to throw in the garbage as you leave. Please do
not leave used cups in the pews or at tables.
f. Dismissal: You will be encouraged to leave the building following the service.
g. Fellowship time: At this time, there will be no time for fellowship and sharing in coffee
and treats inside the church.
1. Outside fellowship may be possible. You are encouraged to meet outside
of the church to share in a time of fellowship. Bring a chair and meet in
small groups
h. Pastor Greeting: Pastor Eric will not be shaking hands as you leave the sanctuary but
may greet you outside as you leave.
Nursery:
. Brian and Jodi will be present as needed basis in the nursery during services.
a. As you register with an usher, please inform that you are indicating to utilize the
nursery.
Procedures for Safely Meeting at Grace Lutheran
Effective July 1, 2021
1. Masks optional if vaccinated. Masks required if not vaccinated.
1. If you need more masks, the church office has extra cloth masks and one-time
use masks.
2. Socially distance
1. Sit at least six feet away during a meeting or activity
3. Frequently wash and sanitize hands
4. Make an appointment if you wish to have a group or committee meet inside the
church. No drop-in visits if possible
5. Sign in and sign out when entering and exiting the building.
6. Custodian cleans meeting and worship areas regularly.
7. No food or beverages to be served during a meeting
Meet in open areas to allow for social distancing.
Link for Return to In-Person Worship Guidelines
https://docs.google.com/document/d/11N_7d3s7pO9x6lAaiD96_UxiJ8AifnfL-
ojAAtQ0Smk/edit?usp=sharing
Link for Procedures for Safely Meeting at Grace Lutheran
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1sbtuPOpaDz1VF_AIuuHWrFamGCcoACz_SJJogcFXo
L8/edit
Seating Layout Link
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1OaTWpMaDgsCctrUc48pCUkVMfvd3WgLFQwZjobW
K-jA/edit?usp=sharing
NEWS &
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mask update: Effective July 1, 2021
Masks optional if vaccinated. Masks required if
not vaccinated. If you need more masks, the
church office has extra cloth masks and one-time
use masks.
Effective July 4, 2021 In Person Worship Masks are optional for those who are
vaccinated. Masks are required for those who are not vaccinated.
Effective August 8th, 2021
1. There will be no more pre-registration. Instead, we are asking you to register/sign-in with
the ushers as you arrive.
2. Max capacity is increasing from 60 to 75.
August Stewardship meeting on the
calendar. It will be the annual kick
off meeting and pot luck at the
Flesvig's on Tuesday, August 3rd
5:00pm
Worship and Music: Meeting August 4th @4:00pm
B&G Meeting: Monday, Aug. 2nd, 2021 at 5 PM
WELCA group: will NOT be meeting in August
Social Outreach: will NOT be meeting in August
Finance Meeting: Aug. 19th, 3:30pm
Council Meeting: Aug. 19th, 4:30pm
Memorial Service for Miriam Pucel
August 16, 2021 @11am
Tuesday, August 17, 5:00, @ Larry & Sue Smith’s.
The menu theme will be “Salads Make a Meal”.
Bring an Appetizer
Green, Fruit, Vegetable, Rice or Pasta Side
Main Dish
Dessert
SALAD
Contact Sue or BJ for more details
August 22nd — 9:30am Worship in the Park at Whiteside Park
Bring your own chair. Bring your own coffee. Treats will be
provided after worship.
Men’s Club is looking for additional 5-6 people to help set-up/tear
down. If you are willing to help, please come at the church at 8am
Attention Gentlemen!!! Mark your calendars…September 9th, 2021 at 6:00pm, the
Men’s Club will be meeting Dayton’s Cabin. 6:00pm meet at church for carpool, more
details will follow
Ely Community Resource Youth Mentoring Program – We believe every child deserves to have a person in their life whom they can count on to be there during childhood successes and struggles—someone who will take the time to listen, introduce them to new activities, and help them build a positive self-image. We hope to provide that supportive someone by connecting Ely youth with a mentor. Children We Serve Children enrolled in Ely Community Resource’s Youth Mentoring Program are simply in need of another positive caring adult in their life. They are individuals with a variety of needs and from a variety of backgrounds. Most kids in the program are in middle school or early high school. There are often more children desiring mentors than there are volunteers for the Program. Who are the Mentors? ECR youth mentors are individuals from the Ely area community who want to make a difference in the life of Ely youth. They support the child’s development by offering new perspective, a supportive relationship, and the opportunity to try new activities. Mentors must be at least 18 years old, have a way to attend get-togethers, and pass a background check. Is it the right time for you to volunteer? We hope so! There are so many kids in need! The pandemic has taken its toll on everyone’s mental health—and kids especially. Many of the youth we talk to are excited to just get out of the house after a year of schooling remotely. We acknowledge, however, that it takes time and patience to develop a trusting relationship with youth. We ask that mentors commit to spending at least 4 hours a month working with youth. We also ask that mentors work with their mentee for at least 1 year (many relationships organically continue from there). We also have a need for volunteers to help in our group mentoring events – where youth gather to build community. It is important that mentors are in a stable place in their own life before becoming a mentor. If you have any questions about whether or not it seems like an appropriate time to be a mentor, please don’t hesitate to reach out. How do I sign up to become a mentor? Contact Ryan Stewart, ECR’s Family Resource Coordinator Email: ryan@elycommunityresource.org Phone: 218-365-5254
Brick Fundraiser 2021
FaceTime, TikTok, Instagram, Twitter, Zoom. Virtual Reality. That’s what has become our new reality these days. But before all that, in the “good old,” days, there was something more powerful than all those put together. It was called, “your imagination.” So, for a moment, just imagine yourselves sitting in the Sanctuary in your regular pew at Grace, in that beautiful piece of classic architecture that for many years has brought peace and a feeling of tranquility to so many. To be sure, that time will be here soon enough again. And when it does happen, we will once again take our places, sing our songs, and listen to the words of our Pastor. Until then, think how much you love Grace Lutheran, and miss its people. And, when all is said and done, how would you like to be remembered by its congregation? Will it be something mundane, such as “That couple on the left three rows from the back,” or something much more profound? What will people remember about you? What will your legacy be at Grace? Now, fast forward one more time, and imagine that you are once again worshipping at Grace. As you are walking by those beautiful stone walls in front of church before the service starts, you pause for a moment to look down at that extraordinary memory garden of paver bricks that started appearing a few years ago. Aren’t you proud of the words and the numbers already in place for you to read? Read those spiritual verses, those words from songs, read about marriages, anniversaries and births; service to our country, people honoring other people, the Pastors, and more. Didn’t you smile, when you remembered who placed those words on that brick, and didn’t that memory make you feel good to be a part of Grace? Well, now is the time to do something about it. To honor someone who has gone, or done something extraordinary. Or, more importantly, to write something down that has meaning for you; that you are thankful for, that people will remember about you when it’s your turn to become a memory. It will be your legacy. Your words will always be there. And they will be something that will always link you to being a part of Grace. You may order a small or large brick starting now through August 29th. Installation will be in the early fall. The brick brochure and order forms are available. Click on the attachment below to view the brochure and order form, or you may also contact Sue Flesvig (365-2253) and the forms will be mailed. The easiest way to order is online at https://polarengraving.com/ Bricks cost $125 for an 4 x 8 inch brick including 3 lines of text and selected graphics, or $275 for a 8 x 8 with 5 lines plus graphics. The profit is going to the Fellowship Hall Fund. Ordering is simple - either by submitting the order form to Grace Lutheran Church or by ordering online at: https://polarengraving.com/ All payments are directed to Grace Lutheran Church.
Need Greeting Cards? Sunshine (Social Outreach) has cards for sale, $1 per card or only $4 for a box on
the carousel in the hallway by the display window, as well as the small cabinet inside the library. You can
pay for these by leaving your money in a marked box located in the outer office. Any questions, contact
Marge Haugen (365-5605).
August Birthday’s
8/2 Doreen Packila August Baptism’s
8/6 Jim Beals
Amy Soderberg 8/1 Kirk Lovsness
8/8 Warren Nikkola Jude Jalonen
8/9 Ernest Seliskar 8/4 Marge Haugen
Gavin Marshall 8/5 Naomi Archer
8/10 Sarah Jonas 8/6 Walt Leino
8/11 Josh Larson 8/9 Jean Erickson
Kiersten Schoonover Dale Filson
8/12 Paige Jussila Craig Tikkanen
8/15 Lois Struna 8/10 Bob Beck
8/17 Evelyn Benson Heidi Mann
8/18 Ginnie Harger 8/16 Sharon Anderson
8/20 Madison Jonas Galen Kayute
8/21 Chase Eilrich 8/17 Kaylin Visser
8/22 Brooke Pasmick 8/18 Chris Eilrich
8/24 John Saw 8/21 Erling Kirkman
Courtney Eilrich 8/22 Julianna Schmidt
Laura Pasmick 8/23 Kiersten Schoonover
8/27 Zach Smith 8/24 Joel Edman
Ari Hart 8/30 Amy Soderberg
Dan Hart 8/31 Hunter Halbakken
8/28 Kathy Ojala
Dan Litchfield
8/29 Joan Edman
8/31 Dorothy Budris
Virginia PointerJodi and I would like to thank a group of people that have done some repairs and remodeling
to our home to make it more accessible for me. A huge heartfelt thank you to Dick, Walt,
Bruce, and Jim. They did several projects. Our deck looks new and beautiful again. And
Bruce added 2 custom made comfy chairs to sit in (more pics to come). Replaced some trim
around our garage roof. And tore out our old bathroom vanity, and replaced it with a smaller
one. Now, I can more easily enter the bathroom safely.
Candance and Gail made our flower beds look beautiful and ready for summer. Thank
you each and everyone who gave by labor of love, or monetary donation for supplies. Thank
you again!
Brian & Jodi Naykki
Before:
After:before:
after:
Custom made chairs, made by Bruce Koski..more pictures
will come with the chairs.Graceful Dining “In Whiteside Park” July 20th, 2021. About 41 people dined in the park.
To view July 22, 2021 Council Minutes,
please click on the link below:
July 24th, 2021 Council Minutes
Here our the financials as of July 30, 2021.
Year to date income: $69,545.55
Year to date expense: $87,349.20August
2021
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Facebook Live and B&G Meeting 5:00pm Pastor Eric at Text 4pm Worship & Music Brian out of office
In-Person worship Study in Virginia 10am
9:30am
Stewardship Meeting
@Flesvig’s 5pm
8 9 10 11 12 13 14
Facebook Live and Pastor Eric on vacation
In-Person worship
9:30am
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
Facebook Live and 11am Funeral for Miriam 5:00pm Graceful Dining Council 4:30pm,
In-Person worship Pucel @Larry & Sue Smith’s. Finance 3pm
9:30am The menu theme will be
“Salads Make a Meal”
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
Facebook Live and Hosting Group
Worship Overnight from
in the Southeast Minnesota
Park Synod
9:30
29 30 31
Facebook Live and
In-Person worship
9:30amYou can also read
