May In Touch with Grace - Grace Lutheran
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May In Touch with Grace
Dear Friends and family of Grace, in ministry for the betterment of all. We
Winter is gone and spring has come! So have much to look forward to. In every
says Solomon in the Old Testament book challenge there are blessings to be found.
of Songs. Even though as I am writing this In each seed planted there is the promise
in late April, there are a few flakes of new life. This pandemic has planted
floating around and falling onto my garden. seeds in all of us that will come to fruition
Yet, we know that spring is here and the through prayer, hope, renewing our
weather follows an up and down pattern relationships, worship, and new growth.
for a time. Just as in life, there are ups May God bring us together in new and
and downs but hope keeps us going. We wondrous ways this spring!
have much to look forward to this month. See you at worship,
We will be reopening our building to small
Pastor Karen
groups such as committees. We will be
experiencing our first Sunday worship
indoors later in June as a test Sunday. We
will be recognizing our graduates,
receiving our new members, offering
opportunities of Creation Care, and
activities for all ages. The national day of
prayer is Thursday, May 6. Instead of just
one day, we will be focusing strongly on
prayer throughout the month of May. Our
Hi 5 devotions will lead us weekly and our
small groups will be praying as well as each
one of you at home. Prayer is powerful.
God works through us to change the world,
hears our prayers, and asks us to partner
New Member Sunday is June 6, 2021, at our parking lot worship. If you or anyone you
know would like to join our Grace church family, please contact Pastor Karen.
Pentecost is May 23! We will celebrate outside with a special celebration of the
birthday of the church. Faith to Go bags will be available to help the kids celebrate the
visible signs of the Holy Spirit among us. Join us in the parking lot at 9:30 for worship!
Graduation Recognition Sunday will be held on June 6 at parking lot worship. We look
forward to celebrating with you. Please send your names in to the church office so that
we may include you. Congratulations to all!
Our fourth Anti-Racism conversation will be held via zoom on Saturday, May 15, at 10
a/.m. We will be hosted by Adeline Marquart as she leads us through another interesting
conversation. Questions? Please contact Pastor Karen for more information. A Zoom link
will be sent out that week in Grace at a Glance.
Prayer Practices! National Day of Prayer is Thursday, May 6. We will continue the practice of
prayer throughout this month. Focusing on our church, our family, our community, and our
world is of great importance. We will take time daily to pray, meditate, spend time in scripture
and offer our prayers to God. Our Hi 5 devotions will be focused on prayer. Please take time
out of your schedule to offer a simple prayer or a more detailed prayer to God, lifting all of us
up during these changing times.
State of Grace
Join us every Sunday for parking lot worship at 9:30am or on line worship at our
website: gracelutheranstpaul.org, on Facebook, or on our Youtube channel.
Financial Gifts and Offering
We thank you for your generosity during these disrupting times and remind you there are
ways to give to Grace:
Gifts can be made online at gracelutheranstpaul.org
Gifts may be placed in the offering baskets at Parking Lot Worship on Sundays.
Gifts can be sent through the U.S. Post Office.
Beware of COVID-19 scams. (unfortunately, they are out there)
Thank you for your generous support of Grace!
Page 2 May In Touch with Grace
Easter morning in the
parking lot with the Easter
garden and Cross! Thanks
to Barb Kinney & Anne
Oberlander for moving
this all outside for us to
appreciate on this special
day!!
But this has to be the cutest pic
from the day. This is Luke &
Amelia Christie finding a
‘spiritual’ moment near
the cross in the garden.
Thanks for sharing, mom
(Amanda).
Worship this Summer!
We will continue our parking lot worship services this summer and also offer online
worship. We are looking at a Sunday in June to have a test Sunday of indoor worship for
those who are ready. Thank you to everyone who filled out a worship survey on April 11.
It is good to worship together and gather in worship. God is with us wherever we are – in
a parking lot, online, and when we enter the building once again. We will be a hybrid
worshipping church by offering all three options to meet the needs of our congregation.
Thanks, also, for your continued financial support. It keeps our ministries going!
May In Touch with Grace Page 3
MAY MISSION OF THE MONTH
Grace Lutheran Church's Mission of the Month for May is Dwelling Place. The Dwelling Place is
a Christ-centered ministry providing healing and hope to victims of domestic abuse through
supportive services and a safe transitional place to call home.
The Dwelling Place provides a comprehensive program which includes long term transitional
housing, basic needs, trauma-informed supportive services and educational programs and
mentoring. Dwelling Place offers the precious gift of time needed for safety, healing and
personal development that equips women and children to live free of abuse.
Please prayerfully consider making a donation to this wonderful ministry which reaches
out to God's children during some of their most vulnerable and difficult days. Please use your
blue multi-purpose envelope, mark mission of the month and place in the offering at Sunday
morning parking lot worship or mail into the office at Grace. Checks should be made payable to
Grace. Thank you
Music Notes:
When you think of Afro-American organists, your first thought may be of wonderful improvisers
like musicians we hear at Progressive Baptist. But just as we have been learning about outstanding
scientists who have been ignored in our history books, there have been many Afro-American
classical musicians who are finally being acknowledged. Here are three such composer/musicians.
Ralph Simpson , born in 1933 in Birmingham, studied at Alabama State University with a bachelor
of music degree, a masters of arts from Columbia University and a PhD from Michigan State
University. He taught and held organist positions in Alabama, Louisiana as well as Tennessee.
Eugene Hancock earned his music degree from the University of Detroit, a Masters in Music
degree from University of Michigan and his Doctorate in Sacred Music from Union Seminary in
New York City. Besides composing many vocal and organ works, one of his most noteworthy
positions was organist at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York City.
Undine Smith Moore had earned the nickname of Dean of Black Women Composers. She graduated
from Fisk University in 1924, teaching at Virginia State University from 1927 until 1972. She also
had a Minnesota connection, having been visiting professor at Carleton College and at College of
St. Benedict.
Three that you may be familiar with who began as classically trained musicians are Oscar
Peterson, Don Shirley and Jamie Foxx. Canadian Oscar Peterson studied classical piano at the
same high school as the trumpeter Maynard Ferguson. The 2018 movie “Green Book” is based on a
Page 4 May In Touch with Grace
segment of Don Shirley’s life touring in the late 50’s, early 60’s in the South. He also studied
classical piano, incorporating this knowledge into his jazz interpretations. Last but not least is
Jamie Foxx who earned a classical piano scholarship to attend college. No wonder he captured the
role as Ray Charles, playing the piano with such ease.
These are just a few of the many who are finally earning a long overdue recognition.
FROM THE LIBRARY:
Books on the Spiritual Devotional Shelves are varied and interesting. Keep these and other spiritual
books in mind for reading. They provide fountains of thought and meditative information. There is
much to read in the library that will available when the church reopens!
SPIRITUAL
Amazing Faith Rick Warren
The History of God: Christianity, Judaism, Islam
The Story of Israel Pate & Duvall
The Prophets Abraham Heschel
Bulletin for Biblical Research
Seeking Allah, Finding, Jesus Nabel Qureshi
Faith Journey , Welcome to the Family of God
Preaching Essentials Lenny Luchetti
A Course in Miracles
To Know and Love God David Clark
The Master Plan of Evangelism Dr. Robert Coleman
Basic Elements of the Christian Life Lee and Nee
We also have many various versions of the Bible available.
May In Touch with Grace
Page 5
President’s Message
It’s great to have been back celebrating in the parking lot for Palm Sunday, Easter, and
other Sundays. It’s been a long year moving through the various stages of the Covid
pandemic with considerable impact on individuals, families, our institutions, and our
church. Throughout our fears, frustrations, and anxiety, Christ has continued to bring us
comfort and reassurance. As the Christ in Our Home daily devotion author wrote:
“Abiding in Christ we have truth in that Christ came, lived as a human died for all people
and will return. The Holy Spirit abides in us now. We are God’s beloved children.
Whatever the stresses of daily life, we are not alone. God will never forsake us.”
Just as God remains faithful, so the church leadership has remained faithful in supporting
the ongoing business of the church. We continue to work on worship, outreach, building a
safer environment for worship, and partnerships with our partnering churches and the
charter school.
1- We are close to a signing a lease with Enspire Academy Charter School. Thanks to
John Klein and Donn Johnson for all the work to support getting to a signed
agreement.
2- Enspire Academy has asked to place a banner advertising the school on the church
building.
3- Reopening Task Force continues to meet monthly. Council reviewed the
recommendations to reopen on a limited basis. The Reopening Task Force will
continue to monitor the metrics for safe and healthy reopening including the
number of Covid cases in the state and metro area and status of vaccinations. They
strongly encourage that we all get vaccinated so we can be safer and
healthier.
Committees that unanimously agree, can begin meeting in the church in May. Zoom
or parking lot meetings will still be an option with committees.
4- Council agree to establish a new task force on Promoting and Allocating Special and
Legacy Gifts to review and make recommendations to the Council concerning
policies, practices, and possible improvements to Special Gifts & Memorials and
Endowment and provide recommendations on our approach to Legacy Gifts. This
also relates to strengthening Stewardship.
5- Council agreed to contract for lawn services from May to September.
Linda Baer
Page 6
May In Touch with Grace
Creation Care with Water - fun times are just ahead! Join us on Saturday, May 22,
at 10 a.m., for a fun-filled morning of adventure, for all ages! Our activities will be led by
Heidi Ferris of Growing Green Hearts. Heidi is an expert in watershed and environmental
studies and will bring us an exciting and informative event that will be well worth your
participation. Laughing, teamwork, vocation, Bible study, ecology, and climate science all
wade together in the subject of water. Together we'll learn Creation is FUN! On May 22nd,
outside, we will build an extra-large model of a watershed in the parking lot, talk vocational
call, and explore pipesheds with an engineering design challenge. All are welcome to play
with Connect-the-Drops on Saturday, May 22nd from 10:00-11:30am!
Creation Care Events to watch for as we grow in God’s world this summer!
Growing Green Hearts for Kids summer play dates
Connect the Drops for Youth summer dates
Wakáŋ Tipi – lower Phalen Creek restoration project at Bruce Vento Sanctuary
Garden Tours
Rain garden development
Garden Club at Grace
Paddling on our waterways
Boat tour on the Mississippi River
Sacred Site tours
So much more! Watch for announcements
Memorial Day, May 31, at 10 a.m.- Pastor Karen will be serving as the minister for an online
live broadcast Memorial Day service at Union Cemetery. Russ Carlson will be singing patriotic
songs and the American Legion will provide taps. Due to COVID precautions, this virtual
remembrance service will be broadcast from the Veterans Memorial at Union Cemetery. The
broadcast can be found on Facebook. Check the website for Union Cemetery for updates and
information.
Do You Recognize any of these people? Please let us know if you know
who any of the unlabeled people are from these Halloween 1977 Merry
Mates Party - Lower photos - L to R
Ken & Dana Turnquist
?? ?? Keith, Connie, ?, Wade Lehman
Craig & Georgia Boehlke
Ann & Dick Dechert
May In Touch with Grace Page 7
Enspire Academy Charter School– Let's help our school get off to a great start! Enspire Academy is a public charter school for younger elementary kids with a focus on values and reading readiness. The enclosed postcard is one way to share with others about this great opportunity! Tell all you know about Enspire Academy. We look forward to welcoming them into our building ! Dear Grace Lutheran Community, We are grateful for your willingness to share your home with our new charter school. We are excited about the possibilities of our partnership for the community. Below is a letter from the founders of Enspire Academy Charter School that shares our purpose, one we feel is aligned with the values and mission of your organization. We hope you share our excitement and are willing to help us spread the news of our Fall of 2021 opening. Do not hesitate to contact the school’s start up coordinator, Mary Stafford at 218-565-1456 or mstafford@synergylearn.org with any questions or ideas that would bring value to our shared partnership and to the community we both serve. Our website is enspireacademycharter.com– take a look! A Message from the Founders of Enspire Academy We founded Enspire Academy in 2018 to celebrate and serve the rich cultural and ethnic diversity of St. Paul’s East Side, represented in its communities, families, and most of all, in its children. To ensure that all children have unlimited opportunities to discover and attain their fullest potential in the early years of their educational journey is our fundamental commitment. This passion for children and families, discovery and learning, joy and justice is at the heart of our Enspire Academy vision and mission. With literacy for all learners and genuine inclusion as our primary success measures, we believe that each child matters, and we expect our teachers and staff to demonstrate this commitment in all they do. Launching a new public charter school during the time of COVID-19—marked by physical distancing, unequal access to services and essential health care, and economic hardship—may seem a bold task. But as our communities and families emerge from months of safe distancing, quarantine, and unbelievable suffering, we see our school community as a sign of hope. The promise and possibility represented by our students' lives is the future of the East Side, our city, and our state. Embracing diversity, practicing inclusion, and meeting the needs of our ever-changing times empower our teachers and our students to learn, dream, and fulfill their human dignity and potential. That’s important work at any time, and perhaps no more so than now, as a new future of solidarity and reconnection is before us all. Welcome to Enspire Academy. Whether you are a student, a parent, family member, community partner, or supporter from afar, we welcome you to our school community. Together, we will practice hope and justice as inspiration for and in service to one another. From Enspire Academy Charter School April 18, 2021 Page 8 May In Touch with Grace
We lift our prayers to God in times of thanksgiving and times of need, in times of joy and
times of sorrow. Today, we especially pray for Larry Gebhard, and all those we name in our
hearts.
How to donate without an offering plate:
There is always snail mail. The office is open to receive the mail and our bookkeeper will
count what comes in each week and deposit it in the bank. Our address: 1730 Old
Hudson Road, St. Paul, 55106.
To donate electronically: You can schedule a transfer of funds with your own bank if they
have bill pay available and it will come automatically on the date you choose. Otherwise,
you can go to our website (www.gracelutheranstpaul.org) and click on the GIVE page.
This site is secure for financial transactions through Vanco which is the Simply Giving
program. At the GIVE page you can go through the steps as directed and give whatever
amount you wish to several different categories (general, mortgage, etc.) This should
now work on any browser. This does get to us electronically in a very timely manner. If
you are comfortable using the QR, it will take you directly to the GIVE page on the
website. Please call the office if you have any questions. Thank you.
Give QR
Financial Snapshot for GLC-2021
March Actual YTD Actual YTD Budget
General Fund $26,427.09 $72,467.32 * $79,468.74
Expenses $26,126.22 $74,263.53 $85,745.76
___________ ___________ ___________
Deficit/Overage $ 300.87 -$ 1,796.21 -$6,277.02
*YTD excludes Legacy Gift rec’d in January 2021
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May In Touch with Grace
1 Carol Anderson 27 Pat Nash
4 Kaity Major Billstein 29 Joel Johnson
11 Henry Slotsve
Sarah Pearson
14 Larry Atneosen
Anna Runquist
16 Eric Engh
Xenia Rose
17 Jim Heimkes
Christian Ray-Taylor, Sr.
19 Norm Baer
Ryan Westling
20 Ed Holtan
22 David Killeen
25 Ron Swenson
Page 10 May In Touch with GraceWorship Leaders for May - Worship will be online and in the parking lot
on Sundays at 9:30 am and they will continue until we can reopen the
building for worship in the Sanctuary again. The online recorded
services will continue to be posted to the Facebook page and our
website.
Date Liturgist
2 Barb Holtan
9 Russ Carlson
16 Jan Steingas
23 Linda Sackreiter
30 Connie Smeby
Thanks to Barb Kinney for our new planters at the parking lot entrance! They certainly bring a little joy and
spring into our hearts.
May In Touch with Grace Page 11Grace Lutheran Church
1730 Old Hudson Road
Saint Paul, MN 55106
Phone: 651-774-9617
FAX: 651-774-0006
www.gracelutheranstpaul.org
gracelutheranstpaul@gmail.com
Pastor:
Rev. Karen Williams
Custodial Staff:
Larry and Linda Denson
Office Staff:
Linda Sackreiter
Music Staff:
Kathleen Hollar—Organist
Russ Carlson—Sanctuary Choir
Jan Steingas—Triple G’s
Peter Zitzewitz—Bells of Grace
Connie Smeby—Joyous JuniorsYou can also read
