June 5, 2026
Dear Grace,
Instead of our weekly Pastor's Note, we welcome Leslie Pietila - Director of Children, Youth, Family Ministry - in her own words.
Longer days and the warmer temperatures remind us of the changing seasons. Along with blooming flowers and chirping birds, we are also in a season of growth and adjustment for Children, Youth, and Family Ministry at Grace! I am so excited and thankful to be here! It is clear that God is present and God’s Spirit is working in ways seen and unseen. We, as a congregation and community, are shaped by this change and it is a privilege to be along for the ride! I have spent my first week at Grace dipping my toes into the beauty of this church, organizing my office, attending my first staff meeting, and trying to learn as much as I can. I’ll be diving headfirst into VBS next week.
This summer, I’d like to get to know as many people in the congregation as I can. I believe that God works through these genuine and special relationships, so my priority in starting at Grace is to get to know you! I’ll be reaching out to folks but would also love it if you’d reach out to me to set up a time to meet. The best way to reach me is through my new Grace email: l.pietila@graceofav.org. Or catch me on a Sunday morning and we can line something up! (I will be away this weekend for a family wedding but will otherwise be around this summer.) I would love to meet volunteers to learn a bit of their story, their hopes for the future of CYF, and where their talents and gifts may lead them to serve. Praise God for this beautiful season we are entering! I am so grateful to be here!
Leslie Pietila
PEE-EH-TEH-LA – you can ask us how to say this as many times as you need!!
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.