Things Coming Up
Over the summer, staff and lay leaders have been hard at work, dreaming and collaborating and planning! Below you can see several of the things coming up later this summer and into the fall. We hope that each of you will find something here that interests you; we also hope you’ll try something that might be new to you. That is how we grow!
Things Coming Up
September 1-September 29 – Community Weave
As part of our 60th anniversary celebration, Pr. Reed will lead the congregation in a community weave to make an altar cloth. There will be a loom set up in the Narthex with fabric available for you to write and weave a prayer, hope, or dream for this community as we look towards our next 60+ years. This is a project for all ages, and there will be instructions and guidance - we'd love to have as many folks participate as possible!
Sunday, September 8 – Backpack Blessing and Clowning Around (after worship)
Bring your backpacks to worship this Sunday; we will bless our kids and new preschool! After worship, Brad Stone will teach kids some of his favorite clowning tricks! (10:45a-12:15p)
Wednesdays, September 11 (6:15p) & 25 (5:30p) - Newcomers Classes
Our two-part Newcomers Class is for those who are new to our community and want to learn more about life and ministry at Grace. Our first gathering is a chance to meet our pastors/staff and learn more about the values that guide this congregation. The second gathering includes a potluck dinner and a tour of the building. Email Pr. Sarah (s.rohde@graceofav.org) to sign up!
September 12 - Thursday Morning Bible Studies Resume
Join us for lively and insightful Bible studies every Thursday morning from 9:30a to 10:30a at Grace! Sessions are discussion-oriented and conversational, covering a wide array of topics that change every few weeks. Bring your questions, your curiosity, and a friend!
Wednesday, September 18 - Anti-Bias Training, 6:00-8:00p
Anna Stamborski from Faith & Prejudice will lead us in a two-hour anti-bias training. This training will address unconscious bias and give us space to explore how that bias shows up in our everyday lives. All are encouraged to attend! No advance sign-up – just show up!
Sunday, September 22 – Grace Grazing, right after worship in Koinonia Hall
Summer often scatters us as a community, so as we come back together this fall, let's take time to reconnect around food and conversation. Bring your favorite appetizer to share!
September 23 – Read the Bible in a Year with Dr. Jim Ollhoff
Have you ever wanted to read the whole Bible? We are going to offer a chance to do so in a relaxed and approachable way! Starting September 23, Dr. Jim Ollhoff will send an email with the week’s reading and an explanation. On average, you’ll read about three chapters a day, with in-person meetings once a month for discussion. Learn more and sign up!
Sunday, October 6 – Pet Blessing on Zoom, 4:30p
We will offer a virtual pet blessing in commemoration of St. Francis of Assisi. Join us with your pets and/or pictures of your pets (including those who have passed on), and we will share in a time of blessing and celebration. This service will be less than 20 minutes.
October 13 - 60th Anniversary Celebration
Grace has been around for 60 years! Join us for celebratory worship, fellowship, and brunch.
October 27-November 20 – Fall Small Groups
We are offering another small-group experience in the fall. Sign up for either a Sunday morning group, or a Wednesday evening group.
Saturday, November 23 - All-Congregation Retreat at Mt. Olivet Retreat Center in Farmington
To continue strengthening our sense of community at Grace, and to practice the gift of, and need for retreat our fast-paced lives, we are offering a one-day retreat for the whole congregation. We intend for this to be intergenerational, restful, and fun! Cost is $50/person. Financial support for families will be available!