big kid group silly

Children’s Ministry Updates

Dear Grace Community,

We are actively looking to fill two positions in children’s ministries. The first is the Director of Children’s Ministry. The job description has been adapted and is for 10-12 hours a week. The second position is new and comes out of work that Jennifer Snook did with Jacob’s Learning Ladder. It is the Jacob’s Learning Ladder (JLL) Chaplain and is five hours a week. Applicants are welcome to apply for both positions.

The Director of Children’s Ministry continues to minister to children and families in our congregation. The JLL Chaplain serves the families of JLL. This is an opportunity to minister to these families and a recognition that, no matter how wonderful our church is, they’re not coming here for our regular Sunday worship and Sunday School. Jennifer helped us see the joy and potential of showing the 80 children and their families the love of Christ, regardless as to their interest in being part of our congregation.

If you know of someone who should apply, encourage them to contact me, or direct them to Indeed where our jobs are posted.

In Christ,
Catherine

yellow bags

Yellow Bags: August

Each month we invite you to participate in ‘yellow bag’ giving. This month our yellow bag donations go to the food pantry at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Wichita.

All non-perishable items are welcome, and these would be particularly helpful: canned fruit, applesauce, tuna, mayonnaise or miracle whip, ranch dressing, and ketchup. Take home a yellow bag when you’re in the building and bring it back with your donations.

Please remember to be aware not to donate open food packages, long out-of-date items, or items that do not have a long shelf life. Thank you to everyone who participates in this much needed mission of Grace.

 

Blessing of the Backpacks: August 14

backpack

On Sunday, August 14, we bless backpacks in worship at 9 am and 11 am. We take time in worship to offer a blessing to students, teachers, and school staff as they prepare for the new school year. This year we have water bottle stickers and backpack tags to share. Feel free to bring your backpack with you to worship on August 14!

Gull Lake Reflections

family

In late June we sent three families to Gull Lake in Michigan for family camp. We are grateful for the special financial gift that made this possible. Below are reflections on the week from Geoff and Jennifer Snook. They and their two younger sons were there for camp while their oldest son served on the camp staff.

From Geoff:

For me, this year was especially meaningful after a job loss in May. It was a blessing that we were able to attend Gull Lake Family camp this year through the generous assistance of Grace church members! I am inspired by summer staff (including our own Sam!) who work so hard on very long days so that others are able to rest and re-connect with God and with one another. Will (our youngest) grew in understanding of his identity in Christ and Isaac (our high schooler) was challenged to go deep in his faith. I am someone who is filled up by solitude, so I was surprised that through a week of Bible studies and teaching, I felt convicted that I needed to invest in my community…not for friendship alone, but for accountability in my spiritual life and relationship with the Lord.  Also…I don’t want to brag…I did the, “Big 5” this year: all three levels of the high ropes course (only rescued once!), zip line, climbing wall, Screamer Swing, and Pamper Pole! It was awesome!

From Jennifer:

Worship, zip lines, teaching, boat rides, worship, counselors, food, worship….are just a few of the highlights our family brought back from Gull Lake Ministries. Of course seeing Sam (a.k.a. DynaCo.) working with students was a huge treat,  but we all received our own teaching and challenges. Powerful, intentional worship is always my favorite piece, but the theme nights are a fun way for our family to connect. Our favorite was the Lego night. We connected with other families from our community and entertained friends for coffee before teaching began most mornings. Those were unexpected touch points that made this trip unique. We are so grateful to have spent a week with our family as we each grew in our own relationships with God.