Full Session minutes are available upon request.

May 16, 2022

• The Grace Session met on May 16 in the church alcove.
• The meeting was opened with a devotional led by Jody Webster.
• The Session joyfully received David Morris into membership. David joined by letter of transfer from the First Presbyterian Church of Salina. David’s wife Sarah joined at an earlier meeting.
• There was discussion about the appearance of the baptismal font in the sanctuary. While not urgent, it was agreed upon that the font needs to be refinished and possibly modified to accommodate a larger bowl.
• There was discussion on the railing in front of the choir loft.
• The staffing consultant from Ministry Architects is at Grace June 13-14.
• May 1 was the first Sunday to have intinction as our form of communion. It went well, and we will continue with this, while still offering pods to people who prefer them.
• Financial reports were given and received.
• Other reports were received.
• Crystal Guerrero has been hired as the Director of Food Ministry.
• A report was given on the Presbytery of Southern Kansas meeting held on May 7.
• The meeting was closed with prayer.

June 5, 2022

• The Grace Session met on Sunday, June 5, at 10 am in Room 103 for a called meeting to receive new members.
• The meeting was opened and closed with prayer.
• The Session joyfully received Mike and Mary Baker into membership. They join by letter of transfer from the First Presbyterian Church of El Dorado, Kansas.

June 20, 2022

• The Grace Session met on June 20 in the church alcove and on Zoom.
• The meeting was opened and closed with prayer.
• Catherine gave an initial report on Mike Crain’s visit. (Mike is our consultant with Ministry Architects.)
• Catherine presented information about the Covenant Network of Presbyterians and proposed that the Session study and join the network which seeks to empower churches to be welcoming to the LGBTQ community. Conversation and questions followed about why we would do this. Catherine will follow up at the next meeting. Nothing was decided.
• Financial reports were given and received.
• Other reports were received.
• A report was given on the called meeting of the Presbytery that was held on May 25.
• The Session discussed correspondence.

Volunteers are needed to help with the refugee back-to-school backpack bash. The event is held indoors at First Presbyterian Church, July 30, 2022, from 10 am to 3 pm. For everyone’s safety, masks are required for all volunteers and participants.

Volunteers are needed:

Friday, July 29, from 10 am to noon, for set-up and decorating.

Saturday, July 30, from 10 am to 2:30 pm, helping at the registration table, hospitality, serving snacks, helping with kids’ activities and clean up. A few volunteers are needed to transport families to the event. (Drivers must be fully vaccinated and wear a mask. Car seats for children are required.)

If you are not available during the entire event on Saturday, that’s okay! Just let us know when you can be there. To volunteer, contact Stephanie Bird-Hutchinson at stevie.bird2@gmail.com or Patrice Cummings at pcumings066@gmail.com.

It is just the beginning of July, but already we are thinking of the upcoming school year and how Grace is going to help students be ready.  This month’s yellow bag donations are helping refugee families with school supplies for their kids.  Our church is collecting the following items:

• Wide-rule notebook paper
• Colored pencils
• Markers – Think – packs of 8-20

And, if you prefer, you are welcome to give a cash donation for this cause.  All items and cash donations need to be at the church no later than Sunday, July 17. You can also check the bulletin board by the coffee bar for more information and to sign up for items you are bringing.

“This is better than Christmas morning,” said Will Snook as they were packing their car for a week of family camp at Gull Lake Ministries last summer.

This summer, three families from Grace are attending family camp together. The experience is a spiritual vitamin that encourages them as they learn how to incorporate their faith into their daily family life.

Gull Lake Ministries, located in Hickory Corners, Michigan, cultivates Christian community in a unique and authentic way. Families go away from their time at Gull Lake understanding that family worship and truth training begin at home. They are encouraged by other families, and they have a lot of fun while they are there.

From their extravagant theme nights to their annual talent show, to zip lining and banana boating, bowling and pickle ball, there is something for everyone in the family to enjoy.

Weekly speakers encourage and teach the adults in the morning while kids learn Bible lessons from their counselors. Afternoons families have free time to enjoy all the amenities on the Gull Lake campus.

Evenings are packed with great food, entertainment, worship, and everyone’s favorite, En Gedi, a late night praise and worship time providing space for attendees to find a heart posture toward God. Please pray for the families who are attending this year that it is a time of refreshment and transformation.

We were able to offer this opportunity to church families thanks to a financial gift from congregation members.  The gift, to be used for special purposes, is also supporting our youth on their mission trip to Puerto Rico.