Upcoming January 2026

GRACE BOOK CLUB - JANUARY 3
January 3rd we are discussing No! I Don’t Want to Join a Book Club by Virginia Ironside. Everyone is welcome to meet at 9:30a on the first Saturday of every month in Bonhoeffer Room.  Participants choose from a variety of books, including current and classic novels, and non-fiction from biography to history.

WALK THROUGH THE BIBLE - JANUARY 4
Beginning January 4 - Most Sundays, January to May | 10:30-11:30a | Alpha Omega Room
Looking for a simple, meaningful way to engage Scripture? Our new 19-week Sunday morning class (January–May) offers an easy, conversational walk through the books of the Bible. We’ll explore key passages together each week—no prior experience, prep work, or additional reading needed. Just come, listen, and join the discussion! Please note - this class will run concurrent with any forums scheduled for Sunday mornings. 

THEOLOGY TUESDAY - JANUARY 6
January 6 | 6:30-7:30p | Applewood Pointe (NE corner of Pilot Knob & McAndrews)
Theology Tuesday is a monthly gathering where all are welcome to enjoy lively discussions ranging from Bible topics to astrophysics and more. Come for a BYO snack/dinner during informal conversation and then moderated Q&A time.

MIDDAY WORSHIP AND LUNCH - JANUARY 7
Join us on Wednesday, January 7 @ 11:30a for worship, followed by lunch with friends.

ADULT BIBLE STUDY - JANUARY 8
Start your Thursday morning (9:30a) with an hour of Scripture, conversation, and fresh insights. Open to everyone. Come to some or all! No preparation needed. We’ll start the new year discussing Parables with Dr. Ollhoff on January 8th and 15th.

BAPTISM BIRTHDAY PARTY! - JANUARY 11
For everyone baptized within the past five (or so) years (at Grace or elsewhere) and their family! After worship on January 11th, we’ll gather in Koinonia Hall where we’ll eat cupcakes, make a craft, and have some fun together as we celebrate the special day when you became an important part of the body of Christ. RSVP now.

YOUNG ADULT GATHERING - JANUARY 14
On Wednesday, January 14th at 6:30p, Pr. Reed will host a young adult gathering at Grace! The age range is expansively defined (imagine ~20-40), and will be a time to gather with folks in a similar life stage, talk about faith, questions, doubts, and build community. This is part of our continued attention towards connection and care! Please reach out to Pr. Reed with any questions.

COMMUNITY OF CARE QUARTERLY GATHERING - JANUARY 21
On Wednesday, January 21st at 6:30p, anyone who is interested in learning more tools and skills around care is invited to attend our first quarterly Community of Care Gathering. We’ll talk about practical tools and skills, discuss times that you’ve offered or received care, and share ways to plug into community care at Grace – whether that’s through our Visitation Team, Card Ministry, or just feeling equipped and confident to reach out to a fellow congregant in a time of grief or stress. The idea for quarterly gatherings emerged out of our conversation with Rev. Dr. Cody Sanders in the fall. Please reach out to Pr. Reed with any questions.

ANNUAL MEETING - JANUARY 25
Sunday, January 25 | 10:45a | Koinonia Hall
Save the Date! All members are encouraged to attend.

NEWCOMER CLASSES  - JANUARY 28 (AND FEBRUARY 4)
Wednesdays, January 28 and February 4 
Are you new to our community and want to learn more about what’s happening at Grace? Are you looking for ways to get more involved? Are you considering becoming a member at Grace? If you answered yes to any of these questions, we hope you will join us for this class!

Our Newcomers Class is two-part. Our first gathering is Wednesday, January 28 at 6:30p in Shalom Hall – this gathering will offer a chance to meet with Pr. Sarah and Pr. Reed, and to learn more about the values and vision that guide this congregation. We will meet again on Wednesday, February 4 at 5:30p in Koinonia Hall – this gathering will include a pot-luck dinner and welcomes both newcomers and people who have been part of Grace for longer – a great way to begin building relationships! If you are planning to attend, please email Pastor Sarah – s.rohde@graceofav.org.

Newcomer Sunday will be February 15.