Aug 15, 2025
Dear church,
This past Wednesday, we had our second Campfire Church of the summer. It was a beautiful summer evening, something I’ve really come to appreciate after all the days of poor air quality and high humidity. Around 35 of us gathered around a beautiful fire, masterfully prepared by two of our Boy Scouts, Finn and Matthew. We prayed together, shared about our days with each other, and sang crazy camp songs (including the “s’more song” that compares the three parts of a s’more to the triune God). It was an evening where I saw some of my favorite parts of church come alive: young and old together, all of us coming from so many different places – work, swimming lessons, piano lessons, daycare, soccer practice, home. After our full days, the Spirit pulled us together at Jensen Lake shelter. We gathered outdoors with the beauty of creation all around us, everyone got to be a little silly, and we all delighted in the chance to devour a s’more (or two). Gene Collin said, “I don’t think I’ve had one of these in decades!” as he wiped gooey marshmallow from his cheek.
It is this very thing – intergenerational community – that we are seeking to cultivate at Grace. Things like Campfire Church give us such a golden opportunity to experience it. As does Sunday morning worship. I know the intention (and courage!) it takes to reach across differences of age and energy. I know that sometimes it’s awkward and uncomfortable. AND I see you pursuing it week after week, older members noticing younger ones, or empty-nesters supporting parents of little ones and telling them it’s okay when their kids are unruly or loud. It may seem like a small thing, but those encounters, one by one, change our church and change our world.
It is in this spirit of cultivating intergenerational community that I invite you to two things in the coming weeks:
1. Write a “cheering you on!” card to a kid in our church for the first week of school. We will have cards and envelopes available in the narthex on Sunday, August 24 (or call/stop by the church office if you want to pick one up at another time). As you write a short message to them, I’d encourage you to say “Let’s meet at church sometime” so that you can put a face to a name if you don’t already know them!
2. Come to Kickoff Sunday on September 14! This day is not just for kids and families; it is for all of us! There’s more information below in this email. Please mark your calendars and plan to join us for lunch and celebration after worship!
So grateful to be creating community with you all!
Pastor Sarah
Every Friday, we send an email to the congregation and any others who would like to learn more about the Grace community. The last four Friday emails are posted below.