Session Minute Summaries

Session Minute Summary: September 2021

The Grace Presbyterian Session met on September 20, 2021, in the Grace Alcove and on zoom.

  • The meeting was opened and closed with prayer.
  • The Session joyfully welcomed Janice Fahrenholtz as an affiliate member to Grace. Janice remains a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Tribune.
  • In August, Catherine shared with the Session about a special gift that a couple in the church would like to make. The staff is talking about ways to use this gift and will report to Session in October.
  • The Grace Covid policies were updated. Masks continue to be required, but those who are fully inoculated may decide whether to wear them – and we strongly encourage masks.  The mask policy for staff remains – masks are required for all.
  • There is an afternoon Session retreat in October. Catherine will send out a poll for dates.
  • The Bylaws were reviewed, updated, and will be presented to the congregation at the next congregational meeting.
  • Financial reports were given and received.
  • A report was given by the group looking at the 9 am service.
  • Other reports were given.
  • Full Session minutes are always available upon request.

Advent Wreaths and Candles

advent wreathIn 2020 we experienced Advent worship at home and online. As part of the at-home experience you were invited to make or purchase an Advent wreath. We sold simple gold wreaths and candles.

We are in the building for Advent this year, but you may want to continue the tradition of lighting candles in your home. If you bought a wreath last year and need candles, we have them. Contact the church office, and we’ll have them ready for you. If you did not purchase a wreath but would like one, we have them. Again, contact the church office, 316-684-5215.  The candles are free, and the wreaths are $10.

operation holiday

Operation Holiday: 2021

Each November and December we support Operation Holiday. Operation Holiday is an outreach of HumanKind Ministries and expects to serve over 14,000 people this year.  Grace is a drop-off location for the Operation Holiday drive, and this is where our yellow bag offerings go for November and December. Please bring your donations starting November 8 and going through December 5.

Operation Holiday Needs:

  • New or like-new kid’s coats (sizes 2T – Youth 2XL) and winter accessories
  • New or handmade blankets
  • Nonperishable foods such as soup, proteins, peanut butter and cereal
  • Bath & Body Works matching body wash and lotion (men’s and women’s)
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Refugee Team Updates

The Grace Refugee Team continues to partner with the International Rescue Committee (IRC) to welcome refugees to Wichita.  Wichita will now receive refugees from Afghanistan in addition to the people we were scheduled to receive.  This means that there are lots of volunteer opportunities.  Our team is working closely with the IRC and will soon have tangible ways for you to get involved.

Right now, there continues to be a need for drivers.  When refugees arrive to Wichita, they need rides to places like the Social Security Office.  If they have children, they need rides to schools to get registered.  Members of our congregation have been volunteering in this way for years, and now the need is greater.  If you want to learn more contact Wizie Eads from Grace (contact the church for Wizie’s info).  If you’re ready to volunteer, email Mike Allred at IRC mike.allred@rescue.org

This volunteer position requires that IRC vet you. The vetting process involves a background check, and you must have your covid vaccine.