From the Pastor’s Desk: October 22

Dear Grace Community,

We are almost two months into our school year. This means we’re almost two months into our journey through the Bible together. This year, from September – May, we’re going through the Old and New Testaments together. On Sunday mornings we focus on some of the big stories, and then during the week you’re invited to read scripture each day.

I know that many of you are doing this (or trying!), and I can feel the renewed energy around scripture. A few weeks ago, one of you stopped me in the hallway to talk about scripture and the way I interpreted it in a sermon.

The person who stopped me did not agree with my interpretation, and we had a good, honest, and fun conversation about this. Neither of us was threatened. Instead, I was enlivened by the chance to dig into the word and its meaning. What a gift to know that you are wrestling with the same scripture I am.

Hebrews 4:12 says that ‘the word of God is living and active,’ and it is. Our Presbyterian tradition says that it is best studied in community. I give thanks for the opportunity to experience the living and active word with you.

In Christ,
Catherine

Jacob’s Learning Ladder: October 22

Jacob’s Learning Ladder (JLL) kicked off the new school year in September. At this time, we began using our new security features. The secured access has been successful, and both parents and staff are happy with how it’s working.

Construction is done, and Emily and Nancy moved into their new office at the end of September. They are now on the hunt for large pictures to decorate the walls in the welcome area.

The preschool classes visited the fire station on September 26 and 27. The children really enjoyed getting to tour the station. It was interesting to see where the fireman eat and sleep. The children were able to take turns sitting in a seat of the fire truck, and many of them loved this! After the visit, the children walked to Edgemoor park for snack and play time. It was a beautiful morning for outdoor play.

During the month of October, the classes are covering several fall topics including autumn changes, night animals, pumpkins, and creepy critters. They are also visiting a pumpkin patch and having classroom Halloween parties.

Children’s Ministry: October

Dear Grace Family,

The Children’s Ministry department is celebrating Sunday School with a fun class in the Foundation Station (averaging about six children a week) The newly remodeled Excavation Station has been enjoying their classroom, especially the hot chocolate and cider bar. Please come visit and see for yourself how God is at work in the lives of Grace young people.

Messy Church gathered on Sunday, October 13, and gathers again on November 10. We would love it if you could make the November service in order to meet some new faces to Grace Presbyterian Church.

As our families are working through their daily Bible readings, encourage them by sharing something you have learned in your own study. This is a great way to get to know a young person and their family by discovering something you are both studying. Thank you for continuing to pray for growing families as they work out their busy schedules and carve out space for faith and connection.

Jennifer

Watermark Event – Alexander McCall Smith – November 1

We are excited to welcome our neighbors Watermark Books back to Grace. On Friday, November 1, at 6:30 pm, we host author Alexander McCall Smith who talks about and signs his book To the Land of Long Lost Friends. This book is part of the beloved No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series.

This is a ticketed event, and we will receive some complimentary tickets to share with church members. We also need volunteers for the event. We provide cookies and coffee and need hosts to offer treats to guests and volunteers to greet at the doors. We also need a crew to help stack chairs at the end of the event. Contact Catherine Neelly Burton, catherine@mygpc.org or 316-684-5125 to volunteer.

Messy Church: November 10

Messy Church happens at 4:30 pm on November 10. Invite your neighbors and friends to this fun, interactive hands-on ministry. Dinner is served at 5:30 pm. This is our chance as a congregation to make a heart connection with our kids and families who may be new to our church or even new to Christian faith.

Passing on our story means that every believer gets the opportunity to share the ways in which God has rescued them. Life is Messy, why should our faith be any different?