We have two planned gifts to celebrate as a congregation!

In 2021 we received a $50,000 gift that was to be used primarily for ministry with children and youth.  With that gift, we bought children’s Bibles for Jacob’s Learning Ladder children, sent youth and adults on a mission trip to Puerto Rico, sent Grace families to family camp, and held a food packing event for people of all ages.  In an incredible act of generosity, the givers have given us another $50,000 in 2022.

This gift allowed us to hire the Rev Cheryl Hoops as Jacob’s Learning Ladder chaplain.  We purchased a copy of the children’s book When God Made You to give to every preschool-aged child in JLL at the Thanksgiving Feast next week. We made some purchases to upgrade technology for our 9:00 worship band, and we’re working on more ways to minister to those inside and outside our congregation.

These gifts named above are one kind of planned giving, where the givers are alive and choose where to give and then watch how the money is used. Then there is planned giving where someone leaves a gift to Grace in their estate.

We were blessed to receive this kind of gift from the estate of Jacque Nagel earlier in the fall.  Jacque was a member of Grace for many years.  She and her husband were active in the Cruiser group, and Jacque sang in the choir for decades, well into her late 80s.  She was a weekly participant in a Wednesday afternoon study and discussion group, always curious about her faith and faith in general.  She was lots of fun.

The gift from Jacque’s estate was designated as a bequest.  According to our planned giving policy, this kind of gift goes to our endowment.  It is split between the different funds, 50% to the general endowment, which can only be spent after a vote of the congregation, 25% to the mission and ministry endowment, and 25% to the facilities endowment.  The mission and ministry, and facilities endowments may be used anytime by a vote of the endowment committee/trustees.

We are grateful for the way that Jacque planned for Grace in her estate. If you have questions about planned giving, Catherine Neelly Burton or Martin Burch will be glad to talk with you.

Join me in welcoming the Rev. Cheryl Hoops as our Jacob’s Learning Ladder (JLL) Chaplain. This is a new position and is five hours a week. Pastor Cheryl (as she’s known at JLL) is a retired Lutheran (ELCA) pastor. She lives in Derby and is at JLL primarily on Wednesdays.

This is a new position, so we’re creating her portfolio as we go. Pastor Cheryl is responsible for JLL Bible story time twice a month. She’ll spend time in classrooms getting to know children and is a pastoral resource for families and staff.  She’s getting her picture taken at JLL picture day next month, and we’ll share that with you so you know who to look for.

Pastor Cheryl worships at the ELCA church in Haysville and is a guest preacher at other churches, but we’re looking for a date for her to be in worship at Grace one Sunday before Christmas.

We are funding this position with a portion of a special financial gift. We continue searching for a part-time staff person to work with children at Grace, a budgeted position.  If you know of someone who might be interested, please talk to me.

In Christ,

Catherine NB

Full Session minutes are available upon request.

• The Grace Session met on September 19 at 6:00 pm in the parlor. The meeting was opened with a devotional by Elyse Scholl.
• We received a bequest from the estate of Jacque Nagel. As is our policy, the bequest will be split into our three endowment funds: 50% to the general, 25% to the mission and ministry, and 25% to the facilities. We will set a date to celebrate this in worship and to give thanks.
• Scott Fraizer from the Grace Board of Trustees shared the results of the recent Grace audit.
• We discussed the report from our Ministry Architects consultant and will invite him to zoom with us at our October meeting.
• The Session reviewed two draft statements regarding LGBTQ welcome at Grace. Catherine will inform the congregation of this work through the enews – From the Pastor’s Desk.
• Financial reports were given and received. Other reports were received.
• The meeting was closed in prayer.

It’s hard to believe that we are already talking about the holiday season. However, it is that time now, and we want you to think about the Alternative Gift Market. This year’s market is Saturday, November 12, at Hillside Christian Church, as well as a mini market at our Church on Sunday, November 13 and 20.

Grace is championing two causes this year. The international cause is MOBILITY MATTERS which helps children in the Democratic Republic of Congo attain leg braces or other orthopedic devices to give greater mobility.  The second cause is a local one that is near and dear to our congregation – BUS MINISTRY.  Supporting this cause enables us to offer more day passes to those in need who depend upon the Wichita Transit System.

Join us at the Market this Saturday from 10:00 to 4:00 at Hillside Christian Church, 8330 East Douglas Avenue. Encourage a friend to join you. See you Saturday!