It’s time for our monthly Laundry Love! This is when we go to College Town Laundry at 3223 E 17^th 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’ll be there from 2:30 – 5:30 pm on Sunday July 10.  Want to know more?  Contact Catherine Neelly Burton in the church office, 684-5215.

Each month on the first Sunday you’re encouraged to take home a re-usable yellow grocery bag, put some non-perishable items in it, and bring it back the next week, or soon thereafter.  This month our contributions go to the food pantry at Mount Vernon Presbyterian Church.  Consider bringing macaroni and cheese or can proteins.

On Sundays, July 10, 17, and 24, our scripture in worship focuses on the unexpected, and we need your help.

On July 10, we look at the story of Paul and Ananias from Acts 9 and the idea of unexpected friendships.

On July 17, we look at unexpected detours and the story from Acts 16 where Paul’s journey to Macedonia is far different than he expects.

Do you have a story of an unexpected friendship or detour that you’re willing to share?

You won’t have to speak in worship, but Catherine would love to hear your stories and might share one in her sermon.  If you have a story please call or email Catherine, 684-5215.

The Board of Trustees oversees the facility and the financial aspects of operating our church. In years past, we have experienced a decline in income during the summer months even though our expenses stay the same.

One key ministry of Grace that is dependent on consistent and continual resources is the Student Ministry programs. There are many summer programs that need your time, talents and resources.

• The Wednesday middle school and high school programs: One of the main goals is to keep kids engaged and feeling comfortable within the walls of the church.
• The student mission trip is kicking into high gear as continued planning and preparations are made.
• Kirk is also instituting a program for college-age students: those who are home on summer break and our local students.

We are planting seeds and making progress with your support and the help of the Holy Spirit! Your donations help pay Kirk Anderson’s salary. Originally funded through the Amazing Grace Campaign, most of Kirk’s wages, as well as much of the cost of this ministry are now part of the general operating budget.

The Trustees urge you to take seriously your obligation as a Christ-follower, and focus on providing steady, strong financial support for all of the aspects of Grace that make it the Church that it is. Particularly in the summer months, assuring consistent financial support is imperative for the continuation of the beautiful mosaic of activities and ministries that make up Grace.

The Grace Refugee Team invites you to read. We’re reading This Flowing Toward Me. The following description comes from Amazon.com:

What began in 1979 as a response to a random bulletin board posting would ultimately change Sister Marilyn Lacey’s life–and the lives of countless refugees. In vivid prose, Sister Lacey narrates her twenty-five year spiritual journey of work with those displaced by conflict and disaster. In the spirit ofDead Man Walking, she invites us to solidarity with some of the world’s most vulnerable. Timely and engaging, This Flowing Toward Me offers fresh, personal insights into the world of refugees and international immigrants. More importantly, it stirs our hearts to remember the gospel mandate to welcome the stranger.

Copies of the book are available for purchase at Watermark Books, or you may order them elsewhere.  Read the book, and then join us for conversation on Wednesday, July 20, at 6 pm. The group meets at Fran Belden’s house. Contact the church, 684-5215, for the address.