August 21, 2026
Dear church,
I am really excited about the fall and what it holds for our congregation. We are launching a much more robust program for children and youth, thanks to Leslie’s presence and leadership on our team! We have a group of people working on readying our congregation and broader community for the upcoming election in November. We are celebrating our 10th anniversary of becoming a Reconciling in Christ congregation.
While I know fall always feels like “more” in almost every arena of life, and it is, I want you to know that, at Grace, we pause, discern, and imagine before we jump into planning. It’s really important to me that we not just pack the calendar for the sake of having things going on, but that we fill our time and energy with that which will help us live more fully into our mission - connection, growth, reflection, and fun.
A more comprehensive Fall Brochure will be coming out soon, but I wanted to share a few things that involve our whole community and that are coming up in just a few weeks. I sincerely hope you and yours will join us for these!
Kickoff Sunday will be September 13! This is the Sunday when we celebrate reconvening as community after summer travels and experiences and launch into the new rhythm of fall. Plan to stick around after worship for brats and ice cream treats, a bouncy house, bubbles, and face painting.
New this year is a Ministry Fair! We will have several tables set up outside with information about ways to get involved at Grace - everything from knitting a prayer shawl, to caring for little ones in the nursery, to providing hospitality for funerals, to baking a pie for an upcoming fundraiser. Many of you have asked - how can I get involved? - we hope this provides an avenue for learning about opportunities and trying a few new things this fall.
God’s Work, Our Hands Sunday is September 20! This is something the ELCA (our national church denomination) has done for several years, but this is the first time Grace has participated! The purpose of this Sunday is to spend the time that we would normally be inside our church walls, and instead get out in the community and serve together. We will gather for a brief worship service at 9:30a. We will then disperse to care for our neighbors and the earth together. Service projects will take place at church and at several other locations. We will have options for varied ages and mobility. We will send out information about the projects soon - advance sign-up is needed.
Congregational Retreat – Sunday, October 11 – 9:30a – 3:30p (note: different location this year!) Our annual All-Church Retreat will take place at Gathering Pines Camp in Lakeville. This one-day retreat is a chance for us to do what is often hard to do in today’s world – get off the grid, put our devices away, and immerse ourselves in rest, conversation, and nature. The day will involve a mix of learning sessions and activities – all of which you’re invited to be part of, none of which are required. Lunch and snacks will be provided. All ages welcome. Advance sign-up required, starting in September. Cost: $30/person. (For those not participating in the retreat, we will still hold a worship service at Grace at 9:30a.)
Church together,
Pastor Sarah