GRACE NOTES

~A weekly newsletter of grace and information~

October 26, 2025

Be a pointe of grace — God’s grace, to everyone you meet . . .  

All are Welcome...and we mean ALL.



As people of Grace, made one in the waters of baptism, we are strengthened by diversity. We are a community that is committed to racial equity and 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.

Trunk or Treat

Friday from 6:00-7:30 pm
in the parking lot

Choir Rehearsals

Sunday at 8:45am

Meet around the piano

Youth Service Sunday

Sunday at 11:00 am

Continuum Movement: Reimagining and Reforming

Dear friends, This week’s article offers language and frameworks to support your reimagining and reforming process as we discern new possibilities for leadership together.

Why Reimagine Leadership Now? Over the past 50 years, pastoral leadership in mainline churches has shifted dramatically from solo-pastor models to collaborative ministry teams. Congregations are increasingly recognizing the need for sustainable, shared leadership that honors both professional training and the priesthood of all believers.

Seminary Training vs. Congregational Demands

Most pastors graduate from seminary equipped in:

• Preaching and worship leadership
• Biblical and theological interpretation
• Pastoral care and spiritual formation
• Church history and public ministry
• Leadership development and discipleship

Yet congregational needs have expanded to include:

• Visioning, strategic planning, and implementation
• Conflict resolution and transition management
• Digital communication and tech fluency
• Community engagement and social justice advocacy
• Relational evangelism with seekers and newcomers
• Volunteer coordination and team building
• Stewardship and resource administration

This gap often leads to burnout or role confusion, especially in smaller churches with limited staff.

The Priesthood of All Believers: As Lutherans, we affirm that every baptized person is called to ministry. Shared leadership is not just practical. It's deeply biblical.

The 2 Gs: Great Commandment & Great Commission — Jesus

• Great Commandment (Value): Love God, yourself, and others as I have loved you. (Deuteronomy 6:5, Leviticus 19:18, Matthew 22:37–40, John 15:12)
• Great Commission (Purpose): Empowered by the Spirit, spread the Gospel, make disciples, and serve as witnesses. (Matthew 28:19–20, Acts 1:8)

The 5 Qs: APEST and the Fivefold Ministry — St. Paul

Rooted in Ephesians 4:11–13 and expanded by Alan Hirsch’s 5Q framework, APEST (Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Shepherd, Teacher) reflects the diverse functions of ministry found throughout Scripture. This typology reactivates the original intelligence and capacity of the Body of Christ.

It invites us to:

• Recognize spiritual gifts across the congregation
• Equip lay leaders for meaningful roles
• Share responsibility for worship, care, and outreach
• Resist the urge to professionalize every aspect of church life

Staff-Led vs. Shared Leadership (A Biblical Vision) Hiring staff to “do ministry” can unintentionally reinforce a consumer model of church. In contrast, shared leadership cultivates a life-giving culture like teaching someone to build a clock rather than simply reading the time.

• Staff who equip others, not just perform tasks
• Mentoring pipelines that multiply leaders across ministries
• A discipleship culture: disciples who make disciples who make disciples

This approach fosters sustainability, resilience, spiritual growth, and deeper engagement across generations.

A Question to Ponder This Week: What model of leadership best fits Pointe of Grace—one that prevents burnout, honors diverse gifts, and builds a culture of shared commitment?

As we celebrate Reformation Sunday, may we give thanks for the Spirit’s ongoing work among us, reforming, renewing, and inviting us into deeper trust and shared purpose. Your presence, prayers, and gifts matter. Together, we are listening, learning, and leading in love.

Happy Reformation Sunday!

Coming Next in Grace Notes (Nov 1st Week): Listening for the Spirit—What Is God Speaking to Us Now?

Your sibling in Christ, Interim Pastor Jade Yi.

Office Closed for Vacation

October 25-November 3

The office will be closed from October 25-November 3 because Kat will be on vacation.

Financial Snapshot

For month ending September 2025:

General Fund Balance: $196,347.66

Monthly Income: $19,546.28

Monthly Expenses: $16,626.75

Monthly Net Revenue: $2,919.53

Congregational Meeting

Sunday, November 16, 2025 after worship

Save the date for our next Congregational Meeting.

We will be voting on the 2026 Budget. Watch for more information.



Preschool Pathways

Foundations of Faith and Play

Swan’s Trail Farm Field Trip

Harbour Pointe Christian Preschool spent the day at Swan’s Trail Farm. We went through the hay maze, pet baby goats, enjoyed a hay ride to the pumpkin patch and bounced on the jumping pillows. Thankfully, the weather was mild. Such a fun field trip!

Children:

Wonder, Worsh and Interactive Learning

Children’s Chapel

1st & 3rd Sunday During the School Year

We welcome our youngest worshipers to Children's Church on the 1st and 3rd 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.

Youth:

Connection, Questions, and Spiritual Growth

Confirmation Sunday

Sunday, November 2 during the 9:30am Service

Sunday, November 2, will be Confirmation Sunday at Pointe of Grace. We have the privilege of witnessing and supporting four young people as they affirm their baptismal vows and are confirmed in the Christian faith. Anders Raaum, Serena Raaum, Mikayla Bowman, and Carmen Lee have all completed the required classwork and will be confirmed. Please plan on attending worship at 9:30AM and supporting these wonderful young people. 

Anders Raaum

Serena Raaum

Mikayla Bowman

Carmen Lee

Youth Ministry Monthly Rhythm

1st Sunday each Month

• Confirmation Class – 11:00 AM​ - Noon (onsite) October 2025 to October 2026

 

• SKY - Sno-King Youth!​ 6:00 – 7:30 pm​ SKY meets on the first Sunday of each month from October through May. We start our time together at 6pm with a meal, followed by games and Bible study. Our meetings are geared towards engaging youth with each other through small and large group activities.
• 5:30 PM – Meet at church to carpool
• 6:00–7:30 PM – Youth gathering

8:00 PM – Return to church.

2nd Sunday each Month

• IQ+EQ+CQ+PQ Sunday – 11:00 AM - Noon (onsite)

3rd Sunday each Month

• Confirmation Class – 11:00 AM – Noon (onsite)

4th Sunday each Month

• Service Sunday – 11:00 AM (Flexible)

Sno-King Youth Meeting
November 2 from 6:00pm to 7:30pm

Christ the King Lutheran Church

Snohomish

Theme: Good Samaritan Leadership

Join us for our next SKY meeting as we learn about this great peer ministry. Learn from other students how to reach out and engage in love. We'll also enjoy games and pizza!

Middle School & High School Retreat

Fri, Nov. 7 at 6 pm – Sun, Nov. 9 at 11 am

at Black Diamond Camp

Theme: Finding God in Unexpected Places

Throughout the weekend we will be exploring Bible stories together that help us to find God in new and unexpected ways. Where will you find God during the retreat?

Registration: $125 per participant. This lower cost is due to the gracious support of the Northwest Washington (NWWA) Synod and the synod Children, Youth, and Family Committee. 

Click here for the registration form.

If you have any questions, please email cyflutheransnw@gmail.com. 

Parent Resources:

Support, Tools, and Shared Wisdom

Parenting Class with Love & Logic

3rd Sunday of Each month at 11 am in Meeting Room

Starts October 19

When kids hit their teen years, parenting takes on a whole new dimension. Along with 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. We are offering a parenting class and support group to help gain new perspectives 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. If you have any questions please e-mail Karl at karltolson@gmail.com 

While parenting can feel lonely, this is a chance to come together to celebrate and collaborate.

Adult Formation & More:

Classes, Groups and Opportunities to Grow

Women’s Bible Study

Wednesdays from 10-11:30 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.

Come to our Ladies Bible study as we work through the Life Guide study of " James: Faith That Works” by Andrew T & Phyllis J. Le Peau. Contact Evelyn if you need help getting the study book.

Order of St Luke Bible Study & Prayer

Online on Thursdays from 7:30-9:00pm

Join our Order of St. Luke Bible Study and Prayer Group online from 7:30-9:00pm. We meet each week to study and pray for each other and other prayer concerns that come to us. Anyone is welcome to join this group, no pre requirements. You can find the link posted on the our website.

Pointe of Grace is one of only two congregations in the state of Washington to have an active OSL Healing Community. OSL is an international interdenominational organization over 80 years old that is dedicated to restoring the ministry of healing prayer to local congregations.

Practicing Faith Beyond Certainty

on Wednesdays from 7pm-8:30pm

Oct. 15, 22, 29, Nov. 5, 12

This is a 8-week course to explore how faith can thrive in the midst of doubt, ambiguity, and change. Grounded in Scripture, community practices, and real-life questions, participants will reimagine faith not as rigid belief, but as a dynamic and courageous way of being in the world. This course invites leaders to embrace mystery, cultivate trust, and practice faith with humility and hope. 

How to Register:

This course is FREE for Pointe of Grace congregants.
 Use Promo code: LiVE2025

Click to Register: https://nwwasynod.regfox.com/practicing-faith-beyond-certainty-a-live-project-online-course

This course is FREE for Pointe of Grace congregants.
 Use Promo code: LiVE2025

“United in Faith: A Call to Action” is an ecumenical gathering of progressive people of faith in south Snohomish county and north King county, and beyond, who unite to stand together against tyranny and injustice. Organizer of the event is the Edmonds United Methodist Church Political Action group.

We gather in Edmonds as part of a growing national and global movement of faithful resistance—standing in solidarity to protect the integrity of our democracy, the depth of our values, and the soul of our shared future.

By coming together, we embolden our neighbors, support our civic institutions, and bear witness to a God of justice and love.

The Healing Arts:

A Virtuous Science in Christian History

Wednesday October 29, at 7 p.m.

Speaker: Dr. Susan H. Holman

In this lecture, Dr. Holman will consider an arts-based approach to health care, asking “What might religious history offer our world today in essential, positive models and tools to improve medicine, public health, and healthcare efforts?”

Dr. Holman will argue that practices that sustain community health and embodied human flourishing are possible only when healers are also grounded in thoughtful, informed, constructive, and creative understandings of religious history as a healing art.

Join us, either in-person or virtually!

RSVP requested for in-person attendance;

RSVP required for virtual attendance so that we can send you the link!

DEI Commission in Mukilteo Presents

An Evening with Authors Annie Carl & E.B. Helveg

Stories of Disability, Sci-Fi & Community

Thursday, Oct. 30 from 6:30-8:00p at Tapped Mukilteo

Join us for a special book reading and discussion with local authors Annie Carl and E.B. Helveg, who have lived with disabilities and mental health struggles, their entire lives and transformed those experiences into powerful novels with sci-fi twists and artwork. Her story invites us to see inclusion, accessibility, and community in a whole new way.

There will be representatives from the city and schools there as well to speak to how they are making Mukilteo accessible to all. Bring your curiosity, conversation and questions. 

This isn’t just a book talk—it’s a chance for our community to come together. Hear from Annie & E.B. Helveg, city leaders, and neighbors as we discuss accessibility, inclusion, and how Mukilteo can continue to grow as a city that supports all of its residents.

Free & open to the public. Bring a friend!

RSVP here.

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.

Sunday, October 26

Reformation Sunday

9:30 am Worship Service—onsite & online

11:00 am Youth Service Sunday—onsite

1-6:oo pm Unity Church—onsite


Monday, October 27

9:00 am-1:00 pm Harbour Pointe Preschool

—onsite

5:30-9:00 pm   Boy Scouts—onsite

Tuesday, October 28

Church Office is Closed.

9:00 am-1:00 pm Harbour Pointe Preschool

—onsite

9:15-10:15 am KHS Packs4Kids Volunteers

—onsite

10-11:00 am PoG Staff Meeting—onsite

5:30-7:00 pm LoTH AA—onsite

7:00-9:00 pm Sober on the Sound AA—onsite

Wednesday, October 29

Church Office is Closed.

9:00 am-1:00 pm Harbour Pointe Preschool

—onsite

10:00 am Women's Bible Study—onsite

7:00-8:30 pm Practicing Faith Beyond Certainty

—online

Thursday, October 30

Church Office is Closed.

9:00 am-1:00 pm Harbour Pointe Preschool

—onsite

10-11:00 am AA Meeting—onsite

6:30-8:00 pm Girl Scouts—onsite

7:30-9 pm Order of St. Luke Payer & Bible Study

—online

Friday, October 31

Church Office is Closed.

9:00 am-1:00 pm Harbour Pointe Preschool

—onsite

Saturday, November 1



Sunday, November 2

All Saints & Confirmation Sunday

9:30 am Worship Service—onsite & online

Children's Chapel (PreK-5th)

11:00 am Confirmation—onsite

1-6:oo pm Unity Church—onsite

2:00-3:30 pm Theology Pub—offsite

at Harbour Pointe Golf Club

2:00-3:30 pm Sno King Youth—offsite

at Christ the King Snohomish

5:30 pm meet in parking lot to carpool

For more information, go to the Pointe of Grace website or call the office at 425-263-8730.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

If you or someone you know is a victim of Domestic Violence,

help is available. Speak with someone today.

National Domestic Violence Hotline

Languages: English, Spanish and 200+ through interpretation service

Call: 800-799-7233 | Text: BEGIN to 88788

More than one in three women and one in four men have been victims of [some form of] physical violence by an intimate partner within their lifetime, according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV). On average, 20 people per minute are victims of rape, physical violence or stalking by an intimate partner in the United States; that's more than 10 million women and men a year, according to the NCADV.

Take action against Domestic Violence in your church and community. Read "What can you do to end Domestic Violence?" from the Women of the ELCA blog and follow the links to learn more.

Growth In Serving

Living Out Love Through Action

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.

Within Our Church Family

Volunteer Roles, Care Teams and Shared Ministries

Packs for Kids

Packing Parties

November:

Tues, Nov. 4 from 6:30-8:00pm

Tues, Nov. 18 from 4:30-6:00 pm

We provide weekend “packs” of food for food insecure students in the Mukilteo School district. Come join the food bag filling fun.

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.

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—cmhutchison@hotmail.com

Lectors: Jeff Mach—jeff.mach@gmail.com

Communion Servers: JW Karlsten & Carmen L—jwillyjwilly@gmail.com

Ushers/Greeters: Ron Evans—rlkaevans@comcast.net

Acolyte & Crucifers: Alicia Raaum—alice_raaum@hotmail.com

Altar Guild: Janet Hutchison—jkhutchison@hotmail.com

Music: Rebecca Herivel—music@pointeofgracechurch.org

Fellowship: Shelley & Bill Franz—franzfam5@comcast.net

Tech Booth: SEEKING LEADER—techteam@pointeofgracechurch.org

In Our Wider Community

Outreach, Partnership and Service Opportunities

We Continue to Collect for Seafarers

During the holiday season, the Seattle Seafarers Center (Mission to Seafarers) gives away 1,000 ditty bags to merchant seafarers. These small gifts are one way the Mission welcomes and cares for seafarers

during the holiday season, especially while those seafarers are far away from their families. Your help make that happen!

We collect: Some favorite toiletry brands of seafarers are Head & Shoulders, Dove, and Old Spice.

• an adult-sized knit hat
• full size (not travel size) shampoo, body wash, or bar of soap
• full size toothpaste
• toothbrush (individually wrapped)
• deodorant
• shaving cream
• 1-2 razors
• candy or snacks (ex. individually wrapped chocolate, nuts, or trail mix)
• deck of cards or other small games
• notepad and pen/pencil
• hand or body lotion
• socks or gloves
• a hand-written card
• something else special !

To find out more, visit their website. Thank you!

Church Directory

We are no longer using Instant Church Directory. We have moved everything to our Tithe.ly Database, Elvanto.

To Get an Elvanto User Profile.

To access the Elvanto Database, you must request access from the office by phone or email. You will then receive an email from Pointe of Grace with your account login details. Open the email and click the link provided to set up your password.

Now you can access the church information either through your computer browser (at https://tithely-pointeofgrace.elvanto.net/login) or you can download the Elvanto app.

Accessing Elvanto using the App

Access Elvanto on the go from anywhere you are! Whether you're using a smartphone or tablet, you'll be able to enjoy the full suite of Elvanto features for a seamless and convenient experience. Let's get started!

1. Download the Elvanto App by following one of the links below:

• For Apple users: from the App Store
• For Android users: from Google Play

2. Open the app and enter in your email address that is associated with your Elvanto user profile as well as your user password.

3. Finally, you will be directed to your Elvanto account, where you will enjoy the same features available through your web browser, ensuring a seamless experience.

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-Friday from 9am-12pm.

Please Pray for Your Council Leaders

Liaisons for 2025–2026: Each liaison serves as a vital bridge between the Church Council and the ministries listed below, including their leadership teams and committees. This role calls for intentional care: strengthening relationships, fostering clear communication, and supporting the flourishing of our shared ministry.

Jeff Mach—President—council.president@pointeofgracechurch.org

Worship: Ministries that support Sunday, seasonal, and life-occasion worship

• Worship Planning Team
• Assisting Ministers
• Lectors
• Acolytes & Crucifers
• Communion Servers & Prayer Ministers
• Ushers & Greeters
• Fellowship & Hospitality Hosts
• Altar Guild
• Tech Booth

Alicia Raaum—Vice President—council.vp@pointeofgracechurch.org

Vocation:

• Personnel Committee
• Nominating Committee
• Grant Oversight

Walter Campbell—Treasurer—council.treasurer@pointeofgracechurch.org

Finance:

• Financial Secretary
• Counters

Kristina Bowman—secretary—council.secretary@pointeofgracechurch.org

Faith Formation:

• Children’s Church
• Youth Ministry: Confirmation, Youth Sunday, SKY
• Adult Ministry: RIC, Theology Pub, Women’s Bible Study, Via de Cristo of Western Washington, Order of St. Luke Bible Study & Prayer Group

Karl Olson—council.1@pointeofgracechurch.org

Preschool:

• Advisory Board

Peter Catterall—council.2@pointeofgracechurch.org 

Property:

• Facilities Team
• Grounds Team

Bryan Lee—council.3@pointeofgracechurch.org 

Outreach: 

• Packs for Kids
• Community Garden
• Ministry of Seafarers
• Prayer Shawl Ministry

Pastor Jade—Pastor@pointeofgracechurch.org

Care and Prayer:

• Holy Communion for Homebound Members
• Care and Prayer Ministry

October Spirit

Click here for the October 2025 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.

Grace Notes Deadline

Announcements for the Grace Notes must be received by 10:00 am on Wednesday.

If articles are not received before the deadline, they will be added to the next week's edition.