Same-Sex Marriage Program: September 29

Make plans to be at Grace on Tuesday, September 29. We’ll gather for dinner from 5:45-6:15 pm and a program at 6:30 pm. Dinner is informal with a cost of $7 for adults, $3 for children 11 and under, and a $17 family cap. Childcare will be provided for the program, starting at 6:30.

The program begins at 6:30 and goes until 8. This summer our session invited two men to come and speak and dialogue with us regarding same-sex marriage. These two men lead organizations with differing viewpoints, and yet have found a way to work together. They are Paul Detterman from the Fellowship of Presbyterians and Brian Ellison from the Covenant Network of Presbyterians. The Fellowship is opposed to same-sex marriage, while the Covenant Network is in favor of it.

Last year as presbyteries debated this issue, Paul and Brian spoke together before many of those meetings, not debating one another, but both speaking honestly about their opinions and their convictions about same-sex marriage and the importance of church unity. They will both speak, and then there will be plenty of time for questions and answers.

Within the Grace congregation there are a wide range of views on same-sex marriage, and we will not all agree with one another. However, the witness of these two men who disagree yet work together within the same church may help us as we seek to be the church together.

In the days leading up to this program please seek out Pastor Catherine Neelly Burton or members of the Session with your questions or concerns.

From the Pastor's Desk

From the Pastor’s Desk: September 10

Dear Grace Community,

I hope to see you at Grace on Sunday morning. We begin a new sermon series at 9 am and 11 am and a fresh approach to Sunday school at 10 am. For the next three Sundays I preach from Mark’s Gospel, chapters 8 and 9, where Jesus has some hard conversations with the disciples. The series is called, “Straight Talk with Jesus.”

The Sunday School hour might sound the same, after all, it’s Sunday School at 10 am, but it’s actually quite different for adults. For over fifty years adult Sunday School at Grace was driven by the Mariner system, and it worked really well for a long time.

This meant that individuals joined classes (or ships) and stayed together forever. The ships arranged for their own Sunday School classes, and the system ran itself. Over the last five years all but one of these ships has stopped meeting as a Sunday School class. I am grateful that the Steamers continue to meet and plan their own classes as well as fellowship events. All are welcome to join them.

In light of the reality that there is only one Mariner class left, the Christian Discipleship Team put together a brand new approach to the fall. Starting this Sunday there are three new options for adults at 10 am. These classes meet for four weeks. There is no long-term commitment. We have excellent teachers and topics lined up, and I’m sure there is one that you’ll find interesting.

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After this four weeks Sunday School won’t meet on October 11, and then we start a new series on October 18. As always, our children and youth classes look to be excellent. Kirk Anderson and Jennifer Snook worked hard to recruit and equip teachers, and I look forward to the ways our young people will encounter Jesus this fall.

In Christ,

Catherine

Bus Tickets and Morning Worship: September 15

Each month Grace distributes bus tickets to people in our community. This happens on the 15th of the month (or the Friday before the 15th if it falls on a weekend.) Volunteers and those receiving tickets begin to gather around 7 am in the Grace alcove. Guests are greeted with smiles, coffee, water, and a place to sit. Tickets are distributed at 8:30 am, and a brief worship service follows. Everyone is invited to stay for worship, which includes communion. The worship service lasts about 15 minutes, and you are encouraged to come and participate.

 

Laundry Love - College Town Laundry

Laundry Love: September 13

It’s time for our monthly Laundry Love! This is when we go to College Town Laundry at 3223 E 17th St, by the WSU Campus, and pay for laundry for people. This is a mission of our evangelism team, and we’d love for you to join us. We’re extending our time this month and will be there from 2:30 – 5:30 pm. Want to know more? Contact Catherine Neelly Burton, Catherine@mygpc.org or 684-5215.

choir

Choir Begins Wednesday September 2

Our new choir season begins with rehearsals on Wednesday, September 2, in the sanctuary.  Chancel Choir meets 7:30-9 pm.  This first week includes time for music and fellowship. Our first Sunday to sing for worship is September 13.  Matins Singers rehearse 7-7:30 pm.  This is a smaller ensemble that sings for worship every 4-6 weeks.  Anyone is welcome to come sing with us!  Come join your voices together to sing praise to our God!  Questions?  Contact Donna Hetrick.  684-5215.  donna@mygpc.org