Congregation: Welcome to the Season of Lent - Seeking: Honest questions for deeper faith (A Sanctified Art)

This season, Grace looks at seeking our calling, the sacred, how to live as a disciple. Throughout the turbulence of the past few years, many of us are asking big questions about our lives and our faith. Throughout Lent, we will be asking:

• What are we seeking?

• What is God seeking?

The Season of Lent began on Wednesday, February 22 - Ash Wednesday. During this season, there are several opportunities and resources that you can access below:

• Available Now - Daily Lenten Devotional Booklet: Please email office@gracecalgary.org to receive a digital copy of the booklet by email. *Print copies are available (there are some on Sundays). If you would like to request a printed devotional booklet, please email the office to arrange this.

• Thursday Mornings, March 2 - 30 at 10:30 a.m.: In-person Lenten Group Study in the Family Room, led by Rev. Jake Van Pernis and Rev. Christian Persaud (Please sign up here). The study uses the Seeking theme, featuring weekly devotionals (there is no pre-reading ahead of time - come as you are). All are welcome!

• Holy Week and Easter:
• Sunday, April 2: Palm Sunday at 10:30 a.m. Worship
• Thursday, April 6: Maundy Thursday Service at 7:00 p.m.
• Friday, April 7: Good Friday Service at 11:00 a.m.
• Sunday, April 9: Easter Sunday 10:30 a.m. Worship

This Lent, we invite you to engage in the spiritual practice of seeking. We encourage you to stay curious, open and nimble. We hope you will soften your assumptions and expand your perspectives. We pray that these questions will create a safe space to explore - to be drawn more deeply into the fullness of life, into the heart of God. 

Blessings,

- The Rev. Jake Van Pernis, The Rev. Christian Persaud, and The Rev. Maren Mclean Persaud (Rev. Maren returns from parental leave this April)

Grace Presbyterian, the congregation and churches around the world have been through collective and individual trauma these past few years.

As a church in change, in a middle time of leadership, and through the pandemic, Grace has and is enduring struggle. Some at Grace were able to remain connected, while others felt isolated, abandoned and alone. Some have since reconnected, while others are still distant. Now that life is (mostly) stabilizing, there is a change to reflect on this experience and process what has happened to congregational groups as well as individuals.

To acknowledge this collective and individual trauma and provide support for Grace, the wider Christian and church community, and those in caregiving roles, Preaching Grace is bringing in Dr. Joni Sancken, PhD, Professor of Homiletics, and author of multiple books including Words That Heal: Preaching Hope to Wounded Souls, and All Our Griefs to Bear: Responding with Resilience After Collective Trauma (November 2022) to discuss and share strategies for acknowledging both collective and individual trauma, compassion fatigue, building resilience, healing and hope.

Meet and get to know Joni as a speaker in this video interview on her book Words that Heal, as she discusses healing.

All are encouraged to Register for Friday and/or Saturday as a shared experience for a collective conversation on trauma, resilience, healing and hope.

The event is designed for lay people - for the Grace congregation, for Christians from the larger faith community, and for other congregations as well as students. There is a shorter free public lecture on Friday, a paid workshop and lunch on Saturday, and guest preaching on Sunday - no matter how much time or resources you have - you are most welcome to take part. *If you would like to attend the Saturday workshop and lunch, but the fee is an issue, please contact the office at office@gracecalgary.org.

• FREE Friday Night Public Lecture (online and in-person) All Our Griefs to Bear: Building Resilience

• Saturday Workshop and Lunch: *Leave screens behind; Set aside time to connect with Dr. Joni and fellow Christians in-person at this workshop and lunch.
• Morning: Words of Hope: Scriptural Resources for Trauma;
• Afternoon: Compassion Fatigue

*Seats are limited to 70. $40 Early Bird Tickets until April 15

*Group Discount Pricing Available

• Sunday Worship: Guest Preacher

Grace is grateful for the generous sponsorship of Preaching Grace each year by the Montgomery Family. Thank you.

Sunday, February 26 Introduction of the Painting on Prayer "Living in Balance"

During and after worship on February 26, a painting titled Living In Balance by Tsuut'ina artist Nathan Meguinis was introduced at Grace.

Nathan, (also known as Buffalo Boy, Travelling Rock, and Kind-Hearted Man), was selected to create a painting symbolizing truth, healing, and reconciliation. A video Artists Statement was also created sharing the symbolism and meaning of the painting.  

Nathan was commissioned to create this painting following red paint being splattered on Grace doors in July of 2021 and the red paint being painted over in August of 2022 a part of Grace's truth, healing, and reconciliation journey  

As a part of the introduction, the congregation was invited to enjoy bannock and Saskatoon berry cider, traditional foods of Indigenous peoples, during fellowship after worship, and to view the video and painting more closely.

Artist's Statement on the painting "Living in Balance" from the artist Nathan Meguinis (Buffalo Boy, Travelling Rock, Kindhearted Man)

We Dene live a life of beautiful balance with the world around and with other Indigenous Nations.

• The colour red represents Mother Earth. All the abstract human figures are red to show our connection to the earth with each one having a white outline which is our spirit.

• The prayer prints that are hanging in the tree represent our prayers and these flags are hanging from a poplar tree which represents life. Each colour has a meaning: Red – Mother Earth; Green – Plant Life; Blue – Air and Water; Yellow – Sun and Protection; and White – Soul and Spirit.

• The buffalo represents caring for family and all Indigenous Nations who have been resilient and rebounded from being driven from known ways of life.

• The symbol above the poplar tree represents the North Star. The North Star is the guiding star and as people we are called to be North Stars guiding others into living in balance.

• The braided sweetgrass circle represents lasting unity.

• The background colours are in a blanket pattern. The orange represents Truth and Reconciliation, and the blue represents water and air which needed to be protected and not polluted.

• The thirteen feathers represent the thirteen moon cycles in the year, which is the calendar the Tsuut’ina people follow. We live in balance when we are working to care for one another and for the earth all the days of the year.

My artwork is showing people of the earth coming together in prayer and peace.

For more information about Grace’s continuing journey to learn about our joint history and to work towards justice, please click the button below:

Financial Update

Please find :

• Results for January 2023 are encouraging as there is continuation in the trend of increases in revenues and lower than budgeted expenses. Please find financial update for January 2023.
• Year-end preliminary comments can be found here: December 2022. Please see Session Highlights for further details. Year-end results will be shared when finalized in April.
• In April, Report to Congregation and Community will have financial charts of funds in and funds out in 2022.
• The Financial Budget for 2023 along with the Narrative Budget. The budget was approved at the Sunday, November 27 2022 Congregational Meeting.

*Find annual financial reports on the Giving and Financials website page (monthly, periodic, and annual financial reports, as well as Report to Congregation and Community with financial snapshots).

2022 Tax Receipts

2022 income tax receipts were emailed on Friday, February 17 to those who have a current email on file. The balance of the tax receipts was mailed during the week of February 21. (If you would like to update your contact information please call the office at 403-244-5861 or e-mail office@gracecalgary.org.) If you contributed to Grace through Canada Helps, Canada Helps generates that tax receipt. You can obtain the receipt from Canada Helps by logging on to their website.

Update from the Minister Resource Committee

The Minister Resource Committee exists to support our Ministers as they lead Grace's congregation to fulfill its agreed upon mission. When there are times of transition, the Minister Resource Committee works to ensure Grace has strong ministerial resources to meet the congregation's spiritual needs. 

We all know that Grace has seen many transitions in the past few years, and 2023 will be no different:

First, we are excited to welcome back Rev. Maren McLean Persaud Associate Minister Children and Youth on Sunday, April 2 after being on parental leave. She is returning to her 0.75 role encompassing work with children and youth, supporting the Spiritual Growth Committee, and preaching as often as once a month. Rev. Maren plans to be at Grace on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays and is looking forward to reconnecting. 

Second, Rev. Sabino Diok will continue preaching once a month. We are grateful and see his faithfulness to God’s call as a wonderful example of what it means to be a disciple.

Third, Rev Jake Van Pernis Associate Minister, Engagement and Service and his wife Kate are expecting a baby in early July. Congratulations!  

Rev. Jake will take the standard 35 weeks of parental leave, returning in the spring of 2024. In preparation for his absence, Minister Resource is meeting with the Engagement and Service Committee to better understand their needs during this time. 

We are also meeting with Kate to ensure a smooth transition from her to Rev. Maren.

Finally, the Minister Resource Committee is seeking possible full-time ministers who may be willing to support the congregation until Rev. Jake returns, as well as considering part-time leaders who would cover specific areas that correspond to our ministry model including preaching and Bible studies (like Rev. Dr. Stephen Ferris did), pastoral care (as Rev. Christian Persaud is doing) as well as our outreach ministries (as Rev. Roberto DeSandoli did prior to his graduation).

Minister Resource is listening carefully for the lead of the Holy Spirit, as well as following the guidance of the Rev. Greg Smith Grace's Interim Moderator and Session in working to fulfill its responsibilities. 

As more decisions are made, the congregation will be informed in a timely fashion.

Mary Lil Rozsa de Coquet, Minister Resource Liaison

Lead Minister Search Committee Update

The Lead Minister Search Committee is been reaching out requesting names of those who might be interested in considering the Lead Minister position at Grace. We have received many suggestions and are very grateful. We will be reaching out to these individuals and moving forward with advertising over the next few weeks. With God’s help we will find the person He is calling for us. We continue to appreciate your prayers and support.

Sincerely,



Janet Hyde (Co-convener), Clark Hanna (Co-convener), Flora Stephenson, Jennifer Lee, Elizabeth Cressman, Jan Dewar, Greg Retzer

Session Highlights: (Session meets monthly)

At its regular meeting on February 13, the Session:

• opened with prayer and reflection on Jeremiah 29: 11-14 and our confidence in God’s promises
• celebrated the community building of the recent Open Mic event and the number of new faces in worship
• was reminded of the pastoral care training to support elders planned in March
• met with the Treasurer to discuss preliminary 2022 financial results which are trending positively versus 2021 and versus budget. More details will be shared as the results are finalized.
• considered the challenges that face the Church across Canada, in the Presbytery of Calgary-Macleod, and in our search for a Lead Minister. Further discussions will continue over the next months
• was updated on meetings with the ministers and committees to plan for the Rev. Maren McLean Persaud’s return in April and the Rev. Jake Van Pernis’ anticipated parental leave in June through the spring of 2024
• agreed to use proceeds from Cake Bake sales in 2021 and 2022 to fund the community ministries supported through the Engagement & Service Committee
• approved an update on the Roll which now stands at 390 professing members and 161 adult adherents
• appointed Joanne Kellough as a liaison to strengthen the connection between the Session and the work of Preaching Grace. Early registration for the May 5-7 event is encouraged
• approved revisions to the Confidentiality policy to better address privacy requirements
• appointed Carol Latter to the Spiritual Growth Committee. Lent and Easter programs are planned
• approved the requests for two weddings
• referred a draft Social Media Policy to the Governance & Planning Committee
• received reports from all of the Committees on their dedicated work
• closed with prayer and a benediction

4 Month Calendar:

Activities, Events & Opportunities

Committee planning is underway. Below please find activities with

tentative dates, times - more details to come as they are approved and submitted.

March: Lent

• Wednesdays: Bible Study & Grief Group 10am-12:30pm
• Thursdays, March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Group Lenten Study 10:30am-11:30am
• Sunday, March 5: First Sunday in Lent
• Grace Youth 1^st Sunday Lunch after Worship
• Sunday, March 12: 2nd Sunday in Lent
• How to have a Pastoral Conversation Lunch N Learn: For Pastoral Care Volunteers: After Worship (The same workshop runs on two dates: Sunday, March 12 and Sunday, March 19. Sign up for ONE date here)
• Tuesday, March 14: Rescheduled Pancake Party 5:30pm-7:00pm
• Sunday, March 19: 3rd Sunday in Lent
• How to have a Pastoral Conversation Lunch N Learn: For Pastoral Care Volunteers: After Worship (The same workshop runs on two dates: Sunday, March 12 and Sunday, March 19. Sign up for ONE date here)
• Sunday, March 26: 4th Sunday in Lent

April: Holy Week and Easter

• Tuesday evenings in April: Preaching Grace Book Study with Elizabeth Cressman on the book All Our Griefs to Bear: Responding with Resilience to Collective Trauma by Dr. Joni Sancken, the Preaching Grace guest speaker. Learn more and sign up here.
• Wednesdays: Bible Study & Grief Group 10am-12:30pm
• Sunday, April 2, Palm Sunday 10:30 a.m. Worship
• Thursday, April 6, Maundy Thursday 7:00pm
• Friday, April 7, Good Friday 11:00am
• Saturday, April 8, Easter Saturday
• Sunday, April 9, Easter Sunday, 10:30am Worship
• Saturday, April 22: Earth Day

May:

• Annual General Meeting - Details, including date and time, to come
• Wednesdays: Bible Study & Grief Group 10am-12:30pm
• Friday, May 5: Preaching Grace FREE Public Lecture with the Rev. Dr. Joni Sancken All Our Griefs to Bear: Building Resilience (Register now!)
• Saturday, May 6: Preaching Grace PAID Workshop and Lunch with the Dr. Joni Sancken - Morning: Words of Hope: Scriptural Resources for Trauma; Afternoon: Compassion Fatigue (Register Now! Early Bird Tickets Until April 15)
• Friday, May 5: Red Dress Day
• Sunday, May 7: Worship Sermon by the Rev. Dr. Joni Sancken, Preaching Grace
• Thursday, May 18 Ascension Day
• Sunday, May 21 Healing and Reconciliation Sunday

June:

National Indigenous History Month

• Wednesdays: Bible Study & Grief Group 10am-12:30pm
• Monday, June 5: Pentecost
• Wednesday, June 12: Trinity Sunday
• Sunday, June 18: National Indigenous Peoples Sunday