Unison Prayer

Eternal God, thank you that you loved us so much that you sent your son to be born of a virgin, to become our savior. Thank you that he died for us and rose again, so that we could have his resurrected life in us. He truly is our salvation. Thank you for his life, his example, and his redeeming work on Calvary’s cross. May the name of Jesus be lifted high today. Amen.

Call to Worship:

L: God has called us to gather as beloved children.

P: “Here are we, the servants of the Lord.”

L: God calls us into unknown places that we could never foresee for ourselves.

P: Even amid uncertainty, we rejoice because God is with us.

L: In the face of fear, let us take a “leap of faith” into the unknown.

All: We are ready, “Nothing is impossible with God!”

The season of Advent began on Sunday the 27th.

Our theme is "God with Us".

 On this third Sunday we will light the candle of JOY.

Christmas Services at Grace



Saturday, December 24th--4pm

Sunday, December 25th--9am



Sunday, January 1st--9am

Children's Shop Day

The annual "Shop Day" will be held on Saturday December 10th, from 10-1.

If you are reading this on Saturday morning, you are welcome to come to church and lend a hand. If not for the event, then to tear down and clean up afterwards(1pm) would be appreciated!

Above--Peggy and Judy

Below--Ardie

Above--Shirley

Top right--Joyce

Bottom right--Peggy

Below--Eileen

Our UMW group held a Christmas luncheon and program on December 1st. Those in attendance watched a video, sang Christmas carols, enjoyed a light lunch and holiday treats, and then were treated to a "Style show through the ages" which highlighted UMW activities throughout the years.



Grace email changes--Important



Joan Oscarson--Grace UMC Treasurer---[email protected].

Ann--Grace office email--[email protected]

Pastor Jen -- [email protected]

Looking ahead, please check your calendar to see if there is a Sunday that you can help during fellowship time.

The sign-up sheet is in the narthex or call the office and we can put your name down.

It is not too late to turn in your pledge card for next year. Please put it in the offering plate on Sunday or drop it in the mail. Thank you.

Prayer

Gracious God, giver of all we have and hold as stewards; grant the people of this church a deep and abiding awareness that all things come from you, our health, our incomes, our jobs, our talents and our generous impulse. Send your Holy Spirit to help us as we swim against the rising tides of materialism, envy, individualism and greed in our culture. When we are tempted to think of money as a private matter, remind us that you have asked for part of what we are given, to be returned to you as a symbol of our awareness that you give all we have. And further, help us to help each other in this grace of giving, for you are the lover of our souls and call us to nothing less than transformation in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

November financial update (11/30/22)

Income $153,696.18

Expenses $178,518.22

Net Loss ($19,274.67)

News and Community events (click red to read)

Congratulations to Cassidy Wick on earning her "Gold Medalist" award recently, in figure skating. Wick

Check out the many community events coming up this weekend, including our own "Kids Shop Day". Events

Scouting

Adventure Awaits! Girls & Boys in Grades K-5 can Join Cub Scouts! All Students Grades 6-12 can Join Scouts BSA! Sign up for either on Monday, Dec. 12, 5:30-7p at the American Legion, 4435 Main St., Pequot Lakes. Enjoy a hot dog supper and try your hand at Archery! Contact Debra 612.298.2592 | [email protected]

OFFICE HOLIDAYS: The church office will be closed for the holidays on Friday, December 23, Monday, December 26 and Monday, January 2. 

--Thank you, Staff-Parish Relations Committee.



Reminder--the office is open 9-12 Monday through Friday, if you are in need of assistance from Ann, please reach out or stop by within these scheduled hours.



Jan. 21, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Youth grades six-12 across Minnesota, come for a half-day of serving, learning, an epic large group game, and a hip-hop concert!



Grace UMC youth, we will be going to St. Cloud for the Event. Mark your calendars now, speak to Abby Jacobs, Sheena Rick, or Pastor Jen about signing up.

Last week,the Youth Group made Christmas cards for residents of some local nursing homes.

Good News in the world!

Click to read the story of little Margo (granddaughter of Tim and Jody Perrine). We prayed for healing for her earlier this year, this video shows the early days and where she is now.

Margo.

Holiday Blood Drive

December 23rd from 11-4, at the Pequot Lakes American Legion.

Cal to make an appointment. 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767)

Sunday mornings we have returned to live streaming our Sunday services, but we realize that there are still some issues popping up many Sundays. On our website you can usually watch the recorded service after 10:30am or so. There is a link to our site at the end of this newsletter.

We continue to work on making the online experience better and appreciate both your grace and feedback as we make improvements. Soon, we will be updating our internet capabilities and are hopeful that this will fix some of the issues.

We are grateful to be able to offer our services online and appreciate any gifts received to help this ministry grow and continue.

*We are aware that we have had some streaming issues over the last few weeks, we are working on resolving the problem.

If you have something that should be added to this newsletter from your group or mission, please speak with Pastor Jen or email the details to her at [email protected]. The E-Grace is generally completed by noon on Thursdays, so articles need to be received by Thursday 10am at the very latest.



If you wish to connect with me directly and it is not an emergency, please know that I will respond as needed during pretty regular office hours. I am in the church most weekdays from at least 10-12, call the office to be sure, as my weeks vary. Ann has my detailed schedule and can find me if needed. I check my emails frequently throughout the day, and this is the best way to contact me.

-Pastor Jen

Important note

If you are mailing something to the church, you must use our P.O. Box for the address. We do not receive mail at the church, and if you use the physical church address it will get returned and could delay your notices to us or offerings.

P.O. Box 276

Pequot Lakes, MN 56472