GRACE NOTES

~A weekly newsletter of grace and information~

September 7, 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.

Notes from Interim Pastor

Dear Beloved Community,

I greet you for the very first time as your interim transition pastor. My name is Chienyu Jade Yi, and I go by “Jade.” I was born and received my early education in Taiwan. In my twenties, I studied in Japan and later in the U.S., where I met my husband, Hector. Both he and I are ordained ministers under the ELCA. Our daughter, Sofia, is now married to Paul, and they live with us in Edmonds. Recently, they adopted Henry, a joyful puppy from the Rescue Center. And he’s already brought so much joy to our life together. 

As we begin this new chapter together, we do so not alone, but with God’s Spirit guiding us. Each of you has been entrusted with blessed relationships and connections in this particular mission field of Mukilteo. The relationships you’ve built, nurtured, and sustained will continue to grow this community as an extension of God’s love and mercy. I give thanks to God for you both as individuals and as a gathered community.

I enter this transition season with the gifts and experiences God has shaped in me. Whenever I begin a new interim assignment, I remember the words spoken to me by Rev. Wayne Miller, former Bishop and current interim Bishop of the Metropolitan Chicago Synod. At the close of my first call as a solo pastor, he said, “What you did wasn’t easy because that’s what intentional interim ministry is about.” Since then, I’ve served in interim roles continuously, except for a season as a Mission Developer in 2017–18. This is my seventh interim assignment, and I humbly give thanks to God for continuing to use all that I am and all that I have.

I look forward to knowing you, attending to your vision, the impact you hope to make in Mukilteo, your values that shine like little lights of Christ in your neighborhoods, and your faith stories that continue to unfold through your ministries and mission. I also invite you to engage with me: as individuals, families, ministry teams, or small groups. There are some benefits to doing so:

1.     You’ll become more familiar with my English as a non-native speaker.

2.     You’ll ease into the rhythm of this transition with grace.

3.     You’ll know more specifically how to pray for what matters most in this season.

So I pray: may you be open to every opportunity to journey alongside God’s Spirit whose desire is reflected in the life and teachings of Jesus, and revealed through his ministry as a living demonstration of what God’s Kingdom is truly about.



With gratitude and anticipation, Pastor Jade

Heart of Mukilteo Parade

Sat, Sept. 6th starting at 11:00 am

Pointe of Grace attendees will be meeting in the Pointe of Grace parking lot at 9:15am to carpool to the parade route.

Plan to join the FUN! Saturday, September 6th Pointe of Grace and Preschool will be walking in the Parade. We will walk together with flyers and banners, wagons and strollers, to the starting line-up. Wear your walking shoes and plan to join the fun! Please let us know you are coming by emailing the office at office@pointeofgracechurch.org

The Heart of Mukilteo Parade is a re-envisioning of the Lighthouse Parade. The parade will take place at a brand-new location! The parade starts at 5th and Loveland Avenue and continues around the Rosehill Community Center.

Back to School Sunday

Blessing of Backpacks,

Educators & Students

Sun, Sept. 7th during the 9:30 am Service

Inviting all students to bring their backpacks to worship on Sunday to receive a special backpack tag of blessing! We will also be blessing students, teachers, administrators, staff, children’s church and youth leaders.

This is open to all in the community. In spite of all these unknowns and constant changes, we praise God for being able to learn and grow, and will bless all those heading off to classrooms this coming school year.

We look forward to welcoming everyone back after summer vacation. 

Our hospitality ministry is providing a pancake breakfast after service. All are welcome to join us.

Children’s Chapel

Starts Sunday, September 7th

1st & 3rd Sunday During the School Year

Children’s Chapel Starts on Sunday, September 7th during the 9:30am Service.

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.

Confirmation

Resumes September 7 at 11:00 am

Confirmation is a 2 year program for students 6th-12th grade with their parents and mentors walking through their baptismal promises. If you are interested in joining confirmation, contact the Pastor at Pastor@pointeofgracechurch.org.

Confirmation resumes September 7 and will then follow the schedule below.

• Sept. 7—Apostles Creed Paragraph 1, Confirmation Bible verse
• Sept. 21—Apostles Creed Paragraph 2, Confirmation Bible verse, Introduction to writing your own creed.
• Oct. 12—Apostles Creed Paragraph 3, More on writing creeds.
• Nov. 2—Confirmation Sunday, Students present their Bible verse and their creed.

Theology Pub

Sunday, September 7th at 2pm

New Location: Harbour Pointe Golf Club

(1st Sunday of Each Month)

So what is Theology Pub? In a nutshell, it’s people sitting around a table, talking about issues of faith and philosophy, ethics and ideas over a beverage.



It is a safe space, where people can be open and honest about topics of faith, ask any questions, and at the end of the night, know that it’s perfectly fine if we disagree with one another. This isn’t church, and no one is going to make anyone pray, sign a faith statement, or tithe (though be sure to tip the bartender!)

In its simplest form:

Theology Pub is open conversation about stuff that matters over a good beverage

All are welcome, regardless of beverage choice or belief.

Change in Date:

Women’s Bible Study

Wednesdays from 10-11:30 am

Starting Wed, Sept. 10, 2025

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.

Youth Group

Starts Sunday, September 14th

2nd & 4th Sunday at 11am in the Hive

Youth Group meets on the 2nd and 4th Sunday at 11am. All youth (5th-12th graders) are welcomed into The Hive.

Packs for Kids

Packing Parties for September

Sept 16 6:30-8:00pm

Sept 30 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.

In October we will meet on October 7 and October 21.

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.

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.

Acts and Imagination Retreat:

Spirit-Led Leadership toward Multicultural Community

Sat, Sept. 20th from 9:00am - 3:00pm

Advent Lutheran, Mill Creek

Free for Pointe of Grace congregants

Using LiVE Promo code: LiVE2025

This retreat invites leaders into the vibrant, surprising world of the Book of Acts—not as a congregational blueprint, but to spark an imagination for how God is present and moving in today’s complex world. Participants will explore how the Spirit provokes life amid difference, and confident witness amid times of uncertainty. Come practice a biblical faith that helps you to imagine how God revitalizes your personal & communal faith. This retreat is lead by Eric D. Barreto, PhD, Frederick and Margaret L. Weyerhaeuser Associate Professor of New Testament at Princeton Theological Seminary

Xaalh “The Way of the Masks”

Sept 19 from 6-8pm at Woodland Park Zoo. Seattle WA

The Way of the Masks is a Native-led journey of ceremony and resistance to protect ancient forests, salmon habitat, and tribal sovereignty.

Indigenous leaders from Se’Si’Le and the Lummi Nation’s House of Tears Carvers will travel over 1,600 miles across the Northwest, bringing carved cedar masks that honor the sacred balance of life, called xaalh. This journey will feature nine stops which are open to the public. This year’s campaign centers on defending the Roadless Rule, one of the strongest protections for our remaining wild forests. That protection is now under threat from Trump-era rollbacks. Events along the route will bring together Tribal Nations, local communities, faith leaders, and environmental advocates in powerful acts of solidarity and ceremony.

Together, we’re calling for the protection of these sacred ecosystems. We invite you to show up, spread the word, and stand with us in defense of forests, rivers, and justice. Check out Se’Si’Le for more information about the entire journey.

SKY Meeting

Sunday, October 5 | 6:00 – 7:00 pm

The first SKY Meeting of 2025-2026 will be on Sunday, October 5. We start our time together at 6pm with a meal, followed by games and Bible study. Students will be available for pick-up at 7:30pm. Our meetings are geared towards engaging youth with each other through small and large group activities.

SKY meets on the first Sunday of each month from October through May. Also keep a lookout for additional activities like game nights and service outings.

Bi-Annual Convention of the

Women of the NW WA Synod

Sat, October 4th from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm at Trinity Lutheran, Lynnwood / Cost $45

Our Bi-Annual Convention will soon be here, and it would be great to see you all there! For information and to register, CLICK HERE.

We need one delegate from each church attending to be at the business meeting held at the beginning portion of the convention. If you are the only one from your church attending…you are the voting delegate, otherwise please elect one woman (of those attending) to be your delegate.

Our speaker for the day is Pastor Mary Lindborg who will be using Psalm 16:11as she shares “You (God) Show Me the Path of Life”. During our time together, we will explore both our own journeys and the way our journeys intersect with other women's paths, such as Lutheran women from different times and places. God shows us the path of life one step at a time, some of which are only clear in hindsight. Let's help each other reflect on the path of life we walk as women of faith. (Pastor Lindborg’s bio was in the spring ECHO newsletter.)

Please fill out the registration form and send it with your check to our board treasurer, Linda Rudy, by September 12th.

Please think about bringing a friend, carpooling, and enjoying a delightful day with other women of faith! I’m looking forward to seeing many of you at the convention!

With Hope and Thankfulness ~ Twyla Lucas, president of NW WA WELCA

Middle School & High School Synod Retreat

Finding God in Unexpected Places

Friday, November 7at 6pm – Sunday, November 9 at 11am at Black Diamond Camp

You are invited to join us for the 2025 Fall Middle School/High School Retreat at Black Diamond Camp with a theme of “Finding God in Unexpected Places.” The cost is $125 per person, thanks to a generous donation from the NWWA Synod Children, Youth, and Family Committee. We are going to explore all of the places we find God, including those where we don’t expect it. Registration opens September 15th.

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

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, September 7

9:30 am Worship Service—onsite & online

Blessing of the Backpacks & Educators

Children's Church—onsite

11:00 am Confirmation—onsite

1-6:oo pm Unity Church—onsite

2-3:30 pm Theology Pub

at Harbour Pointe Golf Club—offsite

Monday, September 8

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

—onsite

5:30-9:00 pm   Boy Scouts—onsite

Tuesday, September 9

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

—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, Tuesday 10

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

—onsite

11:30 am Women's Bible Study —onsite

Thursday, September 11

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

—onsite

10-11:00 am AA Meeting—onsite

6:00-8 pm Girl Scouts—onsite

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

—online

Friday, September 12

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

—onsite

Saturday, September 13

Sunday, September 14

9:30 am Worship Service—onsite & online

11:00 am Youth Grup—onsite

1-6:oo pm Unity Church—onsite

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

Meet our new Preschool Director

Milissa Barrientes

Having previously served as a lead teacher with HPCP, I am thrilled to transition into my new role as Director.

My journey in early childhood education began just after high school, at a small daycare. My passion for working with children led me to diverse roles, including positions at a Family Center and a children’s program at a Recovery Center, as well as being a substitute Paraeducator for the Everett School District. For over a decade, I dedicated my career to the Mukilteo School District, serving in various capacities, with my final role as a Behavior Support Specialist.

I am committed to creating a warm and nurturing environment where our youngest community members can learn, grow, and thrive. 

Goodbye Anja and best of luck in your next job.

Welcome New Members Robert & Kathleen Reuter

Thanks Coe!

We appreciate your service to the church.

Financial Snapshot

For month ending July 2025:

General Fund Balance — $183,966.80

Monthly Income — $28,512.34

Monthly Expenses — $22,278.68

Monthly Net Revenue — $6,233.66

Council Meeting Summary – August 21



Financial Report: 

• Operating fund fell slightly to $184,000, but revenue has stayed steady through the summer months and July revenue exceeded expenses by $6,000.
• Pastoral expenditures are lower than budgeted, though maintenance, janitorial, utilities, and water costs are higher than anticipated. 

Reports & Updates:

• Preschool staffing, carpet cleaning, door safety, and lawn care are in progress ahead of the September 3 start date for preschool
• Cell tower negotiations are continuing. 
• In the process of hiring for preschool director and children and youth ministry director. Preschool is also working to fill empty teacher positions before the first day of school. 
• Pastor Coe expressed gratitude for the congregation’s strong support during his time as care pastor, noting the importance of shared ministry and the many moving parts of the church

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.

BEWARE OF SCAMS

A number of people have received scam e-mails or text messages purportedly from Pastor Coe Or Kat White asking them to respond urgently or to purchase gift cards.

Please be aware that none of the Pointe of Grace staff will make this kind of request via e-mail or text message. If you receive a message that is at all suspicious, delete it immediately and then check with the office or the staff person directly.

HARBOUR POINTE CHRISTIAN PRESCHOOL

 2025-2026

REGISTRATION INFORMATION is Open!!

*Registration for 2025-2026 is open for all applicants

*Registration forms are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration fee must be paid at the time of registration.

*Registration opens up to the greater community on February 10, 2025.

*Registration forms WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED prior to February 3, 2025.

Contact Anja Conklin/Director for more information at harbourpointechristianschool@hotmail.com or (425) 353-7457

SCHEDULE OF CLASSES

2025-2026

In-house registration for current families of Harbour Pointe Christian Preschool and Pointe of Grace Lutheran Church begins February 3, 2025. Registration for the greater community begins one week later. 

A non-refundable $350 registration fee for Preschool classes is due upon enrollment. The registration for Jr. Kindergarten is $375 (also due upon enrollment). The registration fee for Friday add-on class ( Full STEAM Ahead is $125).  

Annual tuition has been divided into 10 equal payments.  The first tuition payment is due prior to August 5, 2025. All invoices will be paid through our Brightwheel App.

The staff reserves the right to evaluate interested preschoolers for possible enrollment. Due to the restrictions of staff and space and in consideration of those who qualify, we reserve the right to enforce the deadlines imposed by the Mukilteo School District. To enter the young threes program, these guidelines ask that your child be 2.5 by August 31. To enter the threes program, these guidelines ask that your child be three by August 31 of that school year. To enter the fours program your child should be four by August 31 of that school year.

Please Pray for Your Council Leaders

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

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

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

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

Karl Olson—council.1@pointeofgracechurch.org

Peter Catterall—council.2@pointeofgracechurch.org 

Bryan Lee—council.3@pointeofgracechurch.org 

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.

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

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.

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.

The Spirit

Click here for the September 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.