GRACE NOTES
~A weekly newsletter of grace and information~
December 8, 2024
Be a pointe of grace — God’s grace, to everyone you meet . . .
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As people of Grace, made one in the waters of baptism, we are strengthened by diversity. We are a community that welcomes people of every ability, age, citizenship status, ethnicity, gender identity and expression, language, life circumstance, marital status, political perspective, race, sexual orientation, and creed.
Whether you are a believer, doubter, or seeker, or something in between,
you are welcomed and valued here. We celebrate God’s unconditional love and respond joyfully to all of God’s diverse people present here.
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Surely God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid (Isaiah 12:2) | |
Adult Choir at Pointe of Grace
Every Sunday at 8:45 am
Meet around the Piano
Come sing with us at Pointe of Grace! Adult and Children's Choir rehearsals begin soon. All are welcome, regardless of musical experience. We are currently preparing to sing in worship for Reformation Sunday (10/27).
Music is now available to take home and practice - see Rebecca for a copy.
Questions? Email Rebecca at music@pointeofgracechurch.org
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Service of Healing Prayer
Sunday, Dec. 8 at 10:30am
(2nd Sunday of Each Month)
The Pointe of Grace Care and Prayer Team will offer a Service of Healing Prayer immediately after worship on Sunday, Dec. 8. The service is expected to last 20-30 minutes and will include quiet time for contemplation and private prayer, a Scripture reading and short reflection, and a time where prayer ministers are available to pray with you. You are welcome to request prayer for yourself or anyone else for any reason at all. You may choose to pray with a prayer minister or simply to pray by yourself during the service. This is a wonderful gift and we encourage you to attend.
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Faith Formation
The First Advent in Palestine
Sunday, December 8 at 11am
Come learn and discuss the book The First Advent in Palestine by Kelley Nikondeha. This engaging and contextual look at the first Advent, what the historical landscape was for Jews of the time, and what scripture really shares about the nativity scene have been lost in modern Christianity. Acclaimed by theologians such as Walter Brueggemann, Brian McLaren, and many more. Come spend an hour hearing a different perspective of the nativity and Advent story with Pastor Pam.
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Youth Group
Every Sunday at 11am in the Hive
Youth Group Every Sunday at 11am Every Sunday the youth (5th-12th graders) are welcomed into The Hive at 11:00 AM.
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Worship Planning Meeting
Sunday, December 8 at 12:00 pm
If you have musical skills you would like to share, come! If you have a desire to be part of the thematic and musical choices of worship, come! We are always eager for more hands and heads in the planning of the worship services. We meet once a month to plan the upcoming month/liturgical season.
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Monday, Dec. 9 and Tuesday, Dec. 10
HPCP Parent Chat from 9:00-9:45 am
Preschool Chapel from 9:45-10:00 am
Come join the students and their parents in the sanctuary for a short bible lesson and music with Pastor Pam and Director Anja.
Come join the fun and fellowship of our largest ministry
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A Reading Through the Gospel of Luke
Wednesday, December 10th 1pm-4pm
Join Pastor Pam for a reading through the Gospel of Luke. We will take turns reading through the Gospel of Luke, (the gospel assigned for the 2025 year) which should take about 2-2.5hours. Please bring snacks to share, coffee will be provided. Please RSVP with the office.
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“Bless This Night” Evening Vespers Service
Wednesday, December 11 at 6:30 pm
Potluck Meal from 5:30-6:30 pm
This is the NEW Holden Evening Prayer Liturgy.
Come check it out and enjoy an evening of contemplative music.
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Children’s Christmas Program
Sunday, December 15, at 9:30am
The annual Christmas Program will be on during our regular worship service. We will hear the story of Christ's birth. The children & youth are excited to share!
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PACKS FOR KIDS
“PACKING PARTYS”
December Packing Parties:
Dec. 18 6:00-8:00 pm (Mukilteo Soccer)
Providing weekend “packs” of food to food insecure students in the Mukilteo School district.
Come join the food bag filling fun.
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Poinsettias for Christmas
Would you like to remember a loved one, honor a family member, or just help beautify the sanctuary on Christmas Eve? You may do that by providing one or more poinsettias to be placed in front of the altar.
We just ask that you supply RED poinsettias. The poinsettias may be brought to church anytime between Sunday, Dec. 22 and Noon on Tuesday, Dec. 24. Place them on fellowship hall table. Please don’t bring them too early so they stay in good condition. Pick up a form at church or click here to download the form.
All forms must be in the office by Wednesday. Dec. 18th. Click here to get a form.
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Candlelight Christmas Eve Service
With Holy Communion
Tuesday, December 24 at 6:00 pm
Celebrate the birth of our Savior at our Christmas Eve Service. Worship is in person or available online. Invite your friends and neighbors to this family friendly worship service.
All are welcome.
We can’t wait to worship with you.
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Service of Lessons & Laughter
Sunday, December 29, at 9:30am
This service consists of three lessons; in each lesson, there is scripture, singing, and a creative response rooted in joy. Come enjoy a different kind of worship.
Come as you are - be comfortable...in Christmas sweaters or pjs for this fun service.
All are welcome!
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Office Closed
December 24-January 6
The office will be closed between Tuesday, December 24 and Monday, January 6.
Please have all Grace Notes articles in by noon on Wed, Dec. 18
The office will reopen on Tuesday, January 7.
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Children's Church
1st and 3rd Sunday of Each Month
during 9:30 am Service
We welcome our youngest worshipers to Children's Church on the first and third Sunday of the month. Children will begin service in the sanctuary with their families, and then are invited to go to Children's Church in The Hive. After crafts, games, and a bible lesson, children return to the sanctuary and their families during the Passing of the Peace.
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Women's Bible Study
Every Wednesday at 10:00 am
The Women’s Bible Study at Pointe of Grace Lutheran is a group of women committed to the study of the Scriptures, to prayer and to each other. The joy we experience learning and the support we receive as we look into the meaning of the Scriptures keeps us returning each week. The women in the study come from a variety of church experiences although most attend Pointe of Grace. What this study does is deepen faith and friendship as we go out to do what we learn. Please join us! If you have any questions, contact Evelyn at evlnseymour@gmail.com.
We start Christian Beliefs by Stephen Eyre (Life Guide Bible Studies IVP) on Sept. 25th.
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Prayer Shawl Ministry
1st & 3rd Thursdays each month at 10am
Like to knit or crochet? Consider joining the Prayer Shawl Ministries. We are caring people who wish to share our God-given talent of knitting and crocheting with a prayerful ministry that reaches out to those in need of peace, comfort and solace.
If you would like more information on this ministry, contact Karen Evans, rlkaevans@comcast.net or contact the church office.
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Grief Support Group
2nd and 4th Monday each month at 12:30pm
at the Mukilteo YMCA
Know anyone who is grieving? Pastor Pam facilitates a grief support group at the Mukilteo YMCA which is open to all.
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Love & Logic Parenting Class
3rd Sunday of Each month at 11 am in Meeting Room
When kids hit their teen years, parenting takes on a whole new dimension. Along that, kids are frequently dealing with the challenges of social media and other technologies that we didn't have as kids ourselves. Still, we want them ready for their adult lives ahead while empowering them to make positive decisions and learning from their mistakes. During the 2024-25 adult learning cycle, we are offering a parenting class and support group to help gain new perspective and strategies as parents.
We meet the 3rd Sunday of every month at 11am in the Meeting Room. The class is taught by Karl Olson, church member, Love and Logic trainer, educator, and parent, on Sundays during adult learning time. If you have any questions please e-mail him at karltolson@gmail.com
While parenting can feel lonely, this is a chance to come together to celebrate and collaborate.
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Confirmation Class
Sunday, January 5 at 11:00am
(1st Sunday of Each Month)
Held on the first Sunday of every month. This is a 2 year program for students 6th-12th grade with their parents and mentors walking through their baptismal promises. We cover topics and lessons of: Old & New Testament, Apostles' Creed, Lord's Prayer, Ten Commandments, and the Sacraments, intertwined with the small catechism and Bible study.
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FREE LiVE Project
Weekly Online Bible Study
Abide: Going Deeper
Tuesdays via Zoom, 7pm-8pm
We invite you to abide curiously in God's Word together. The LiVE retreats and courses are not meant to be stand alone offerings. Go deeper into the Biblical grounding of the course/retreat themes in this weekly synod-wide FREE Bible Study. No need to pre-register.
Join us any week! More info and Zoom link click here.
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January SKY Meeting
Sunday, January 5 from 6pm-7:30pm
Holy Trinity Lutheran, Mercer Island
SKY is open to all youth grades 6-12, and friends are invited! This is a great chance to make some new connections while enjoying a fun-filled evening.
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See More Synod Events
Click here for the latest Synod News.
The weekly electronic newsletter contains news and events from around our Synod as well as important news from the National Church.
Click here to sign up.
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Sunday, December 8
8:45 am Adult Choir Rehearsal—onsite
9:30 am Worship Service—onsite & online
1030 am Service of Healing Prayer—onsite
11:00 am Youth Group—onsite
11:00 am Adult Faith Formation—onsite
12:00 am Worship Planning Meeting—onsite
1:00-6:00 pm Unity Church—onsite
Monday, December 9
9 am-1 pm Harbour Pointe Preschool—onsite
9:00 am Preschool Parent Chat—onsite
9:45 am Preschool Chapel—onsite
12:30-1:30 pm Grief Support at YMCA—offsite
5:30-9:00 pm Boy Scouts—onsite
Tuesday, December 10
9 am-1 pm Harbour Pointe Preschool—onsite
9:00 am Preschool Parent Chat—onsite
9:45 am Preschool Chapel—onsite
10:00-11:00am PoG Staff Meeting—onsite
1:00-4:00 pm Reading of St Luke—onsite
5:30-7pm LoTH AA—onsite
7:00 pm Abide in the Word Bible Study—online
7:00-9:00 pm Sober on the Sound AA—onsite
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Wednesday, December 11
9 am-1 pm Harbour Pointe Preschool—onsite
10:00am Women's Bible Study—onsite & online
5:30 pm Advent Potluck—onsite
6:30 pm Bless This Night Compline Service
—onsite & online
Thursday, December 12
9 am-1 pm Harbour Pointe Preschool—onsite
10:00-11:00 am AA Meeting—onsite
5:30-8:00 pm Girl Scouts—onsite
7:30 pm OSL Prayer & Bible Study—online
Friday, December 13
9 am-1 pm Harbour Pointe Preschool—onsite
Saturday, December 14
December 15
8:45 am Adult Choir Rehearsal—onsite
9:30 am Worship Service—onsite & online
Children's Christmas Program
11:00 am Youth Group—onsite
11:00 am Parenting with Love & Logic—onsite
1:00-6:00 pm Unity Church—onsite
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For more information, go to the Pointe of Grace website or call the office at 425-263-8730. | |
Twelve Packs of Christmas
A "Packs for Kids" Food Drive
Dec. 2 to Dec. 20
The attached song lyrics include all of the items PACKS FOR KIDS seeks for donations to fill packs.
The preschool made it a song as a way to have children get involved and be part of the giving. You may bring a little each day or collect it at home and bring it all in to donate at once.
If you want participate in fun food drive: click here for the "12 Packs of Christmas" lyrics.
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2024 Advent Devotions
Advent starts this Sunday.
Come Sunday to pick up your advent devotional. We have two options at church for you. One is a companion to the liturgy we are using for the Advent season. The other was written by Luther Seminary.
If you'd like to experience the Advent season with music, Lutheran Summer Music's has created the Musical Advent. Immerse yourself in a daily moment of music and reflection shared on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube or archived on our website at LSMacademy.org/acal. To have these daily videos delivered straight to your inbox, sign up at forms.gle/6Jw7DoDApTAgW4Uf6
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Updates from
Congregational Meeting on Nov. 17
There were 45 voting members who attended the Congregational Meeting on Nov. 17 in-person and on Zoom to vote on approving the draft 2025 general fund budget introduced by the Pointe of Grace Church Council.
After three votes by paper ballot, an amended budget was approved that the Council believes will meet the church’s needs in 2025.
You may view a copy of the approved budget outside the Pointe of Grace office.
Thank you to everyone who participated in our Congregational Meeting. We are stronger together and your participation ensures that everyone in our congregation has a voice.
Kristina Bowman, Council Secretary
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Stewardship Campaign and Pledge Drive Update:
Thank you to everyone who made a commitment to 2025 giving during Pointe of Grace's first ever pledge drive. 28 out of 31 regularly-giving individuals and families pledged a total of $206,000 toward our 2025 budget. Knowing we have that commitment gives congregational leadership confidence that our estimate for 2025 giving is realistic.
Over several weeks during this fall's stewardship campaign , members of Pointe of Grace spoke to why they give. Some give because they have experienced God's love through the community and ministries of Pointe of Grace. Others give because they want to support Pointe of Grace's outreach ministries in Mukilteo. Our giving is not just so we can pay our bills and keep the doors open. Thank you to Kristina Bowman for organizing this year's stewardship campaign.
Jeff Mach, Council President
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Holy Communion at Your Home
Pastor Pam loves to visit and share Holy Communion with our shut ins and those who are hospitalized. Building a team of Home Holy Communion Ministers is forming. If you are interested in being part of this team, please contact Pastor Pam. If you are in need of having Holy Communion brought to your home, due to being homebound please contact Pastor Pam.
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New Office Hours
Starting December 3, the office will be opened Tuesday-Friday from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm.
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God and Mental Health Challenges
free, online, self-paced course
What You’ll Learn:
- Thinking theologically about mental health
- What it means to care for yourself & others
- Practical definitions and skills for supporting others with specific mental health challenges
- Intersection of spiritual and medical perspectives
- The value of deep listening and other best practices and resources for caregivers
- Why the spiritual practice of lament matters
- Clear processes for identifying when professional help is necessary
Faith+Lead, along with generous donors with a passion for mental health in church communities, now offers a mental health course for free. If you need support navigating the overwhelming frontlines of mental health challenges in your community, “God and Mental Health Challenges” was created to provide you with those useful tools! Learn more and register here.
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Hygiene Center & Shelter Supplies Needed
As the weather grows colder and the days shorter, hot showers become even more appreciated. The Hygiene Center and the shelters allow for many people to get their basic hygiene needs met on a regular basis. These programs are supported, in part, through your generosity.
A critical need at this time is for used towels. We would really appreciate your old towels, so this is a chance for you to update your space and help CHA and guests at the same time! We take towels in all conditions of use, but please donate them clean. If the towels are too ratty for showering, we will cut them into rags. We gratefully accept washed clothes, hand towels, and bath towels.
Drop donations in the labeled box next to the church office. Donations will be collected Through December 22.
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Huge Thanks to Serene Lake Elementary
Serene Lake Elementary held a food drive to benefit Packs for Kids. The donation was delivered Tuesday. They provided a lot of food for our feeding program - so much that we shared some of the bounty with the Mukilteo Food Bank.
Thanks to the families and staff for their wonderful gift to our community.
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Packs for Kids Amazon Wish List:
The Pack for Kids Alliance has created an Amazon Wish List to help collect food donations and raise awareness of the charity within Mukilteo Community.
Click here to find the Wish List.
The Alliance is a group of community members (Packs for Kids Ministry, Packs for Kids WA, Girl Scouts, YMCA, Mukilteo School District, Rotary etc) who are working together to provide food to children in Mukilteo School District who experience food insecurity over the weekends; students in ECAP and High School have access to food pantries and students K-8th are provided with a bag of food on Friday to help provide food for the weekend.
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Financial Snapshot
For month ending October 2024:
- General-Fund Balance — $103,671.62
- Monthly Income — $100,201.22
- Monthly Expenses — $28,307.99
- Monthly Net Revenue — $71,893.23
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Preschool Registration Open
Got a Preschooler
In-house registration for current families of Harbour Pointe Christian Preschool and Pointe of Grace Lutheran Church is open. Registration for the greater community begins on Monday, February 12..
A non-refundable $350 registration fee for child’s primary class is due upon enrollment. The registration for Jr. Kindergarten is $375 (also due upon enrollment). The registration fee for Friday add-on classes ( Full STEAM Ahead is $125).
Annual tuition has been divided into 10 equal payments. The first tuition payment is due prior to August 5, 2024. All invoices will be paid through our Brightwheel App
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Jr. Kindergarten M-Th | 9:00am-1:00pm | $435.00/month | MTWTh Pre-K | 9:10am-12:10pm | $365.00/month | MWF Pre-K | 9:20am-12:20pm | $325.00/month | M/W Threes | 9:30am-12:00pm | $285.00/month | T/Th Threes | 9:30am-12:00pm | $285.00/month | T/TH TOTS-Young Threes (2.5-3 years) | 9:20am-11:50am | $285.00/month | Friday STEAM
(3-5 year old) | 9:00am-11:30am | $130.00/month | | |
Having a Ministry Meeting????
Schedule your meeting space with the Office.
Pointe of Grace is used by community members as well as our ministries. To ensure there is space for your meeting, please contact the Office at office@pointeofgracechurch.org at least two business days before your meeting.
Please remember, the office is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9am-2:30pm.
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Worship Leaders
If you are interested in learning about or being a worship leader, please contact the people below using your church directory. They will schedule you accordingly. We will no longer be using the sign up sheet on the clipboard.
Assisting ministers: Coe Hutchison
Lectors: Jeff Mach
Communion Servers: SEEKING MINISTRY LEADER
Ushers/Greeters: Ron Evans
Acolyte & Crucifers: Alicia Raaum
Altar Guild: Janet Hutchison
Fellowship: Shelley & Bill Franz
Tech Booth: David Kinner Jr.
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Grace Notes Deadline
Announcements for the Grace Notes must be received by noon on Wednesday.
If articles are not received before the deadline, they will be added to the next week's edition.
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Fundraising efforts and other charitable initiatives at Pointe of Grace and the NW Washington Synod will not be publicized in Grace Notes unless reviewed and approved by the church council beforehand. | |
ELCA Truth & Healing Movement
The ELCA’s Truth & Healing Movement is an opportunity for this church to increase our understanding of our colonizing impacts on Indigenous people in the past and present.
The Vine Deloria Jr. Theological Symposium will be held November 18-19. Participants will hear from scholars and leaders, who will reflect on the text and how Deloria might be speaking to us today about the challenges we face and how we should respond. Learn more. (accessible online – at LSTC)
Visit ELCA.org/TruthAndHealing to learn more about all upcoming events
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The Spirit
Click here for the December 2024 edition of The Spirit, a monthly publication of the NW Washington Synod.
This month's edition features articles written by our Synod Vice President, Kay Edgerton and Bishop Shelley Bryan Wee.
You can find previous editions at lutheransnw.org/news/the-spirit.
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We acknowledge
that our service is being held on the original and ancestral homelands of the Salish Coastal peoples, and we give thanks for their presence here since time of old. We remember and celebrate the Indigenous peoples and tribal nations who were the first to love, pray, grow, celebrate, cry, drum, and sing upon these lands. We also wish to recognize and honor all our Indigenous siblings who have and continue to call this land their home.
May all of us work towards learning and growing, and sharing in the journey towards truth and healing – especially as we work to fulfill our commitments as stated in "A Declaration of the ELCA to American Indian and Alaska Native People” as well as the 2022 Resolution that was passed by the Northwest Washington Synod Council to renew, restore, continue and grow in relationship with the Indigenous peoples who are our neighbors.
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