GRACE NOTES

~A weekly newsletter of grace and information~

September 21, 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

Grace and peace to you this week. I’d like to draw your attention to three meaningful invitations as we continue walking together through this season of transition.

1. Growing in Relationship 

It’s been a joy to begin learning your names and hearing glimpses of your stories. Thank you for the grace you extend as I get to know you more deeply. Your presence matters, and I welcome your continued partnership in building these connections so I may serve you in a more meaningful way. If you missed last Sunday’s messages, you can find transcripts of both the Adult and Children’s messages at www.yikigai.info. May they nourish your spirit wherever you are in the week.

2. Honoring Leadership in Transition 

Let us take a moment to give thanks for those who are faithfully guiding us behind the scenes. This month, we especially lift up the Personnel Committee: JW Karlsten, Pastor Coe Hutchison, and Pastor Kevin Nollette (Advisory). We are grateful to God for their steady leadership. We continue giving thanks to God for a wonderful new Preschool Director, Milissa! Meanwhile, the committee continues to work diligently in the search and interview process for our next Youth and Children’s Director. Please keep them in your prayers as they discern with care and commitment.

3. Preparing the Way: Transition Team Discernment 

In the coming weeks, I’ll be working with our Church Council to prayerfully discern who might be called to serve on the Transition Team. This team will help prepare the way for our next pastor, and I invite you to hold this process in prayer with us.

Think of the Transition Team as gardeners, clearing, nourishing, and readying the soil for new growth. They are also bridge-builders, helping us move faithfully from one season of leadership to the next. As they listen to our stories, our joys, griefs, hopes, and gifts. They, storytellers, will help shape a shared narrative that guides both the Call Committee and our future pastor.

Here are some of the gifts we hope to see in this team:

• Listening & Discernment – attentive to voices and the Spirit’s movement
• Relational Wisdom – fostering trust and navigating change with grace
• Collaboration – gathering input and working humbly with the congregation
• Clarity & Organization – preparing materials and communicating well
• Prayerful Grounding – rooted in faith and open to God’s leading
• Storytelling & Visioning – naming who we are and imagining what’s next

Let us continue to pray for wisdom, openness, and grace as this team begins to take shape. May we trust that God is already at work among us, preparing the way.

With gratitude and hope, 

Your fellow servant in Christ, Pastor Jade Yi

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

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.

Confirmation

Resumes September 21 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. 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.

Worship Planning Meeting

Sunday, September 21 at 11:00 am

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, heads, and hearts in the planning of the worship services. We meet once a month to plan the upcoming month/liturgical season.

Practicing Faith Beyond Certainty

on Wednesdays from 7pm-8:30pm

 Sept. 24, Oct. 1, 8, 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

Coffee, Doughnuts, & Prayer

Saturday, Sept. 27 from 9:00-10:00am

(4th Saturday of each month)

Every 4th Saturday of the month, we will gather at 9:00AM at the church for Coffee, Doughnuts, & Prayer. “I mean, what could be better than that, those are my three favorite things!” After enjoying a few minutes of greetings, some excellent Lutheran coffee, and Henry’s Doughnuts, we will gather in the sanctuary for a very simple time of prayer. We will sit in a circle and offer whatever prayers we bring. You can speak your prayers out loud, or silently in your heart. You can offer as many prayers as you want and for whatever you want. It has been our experience that this always feels like a holy and precious time. Come and join us, we look forward to meeting you and being in God’s presence together.

Youth Group

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.

Choir returns on Sunday 9/28!

We will rehearse around the piano from 8:45AM-9:05AM before the service. All are welcome, regardless of experience. 

Questions? Email Rebecca at music@pointeofgracechurch.org

Packs for Kids

Packing Parties

September

Tues, Sept. 30 from 4:30-6:00 pm

October:

Tues, Oct. 7 from 6:30-8:00pm

Tues, Oct. 21 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.

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. 

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.

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.

Resisting Christian Nationalism

Hosted by Pacific Lutheran University

September 25, 4pm Online

Join Dr. Seth Dowland, PLU scholar of American religions, as he discusses the dangers of growing Christian nationalism and the ways in which this oppressive force can be resisted. 

This event is part of the Vocational Vista series, presented by the Wild Hope Center for Vocation and Alumni & Student Connections. The presentation will be held virtually

Learn more here: https://calendar.plu.edu/event/resisting-christian-nationalism

SKY Meeting

Sunday, October 5 | 6:00 – 7:30 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

“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.

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.

September is National Suicide Awareness Month

Click here to read the articles and resources from the Women of the ELCA to learn ways you can help raise awareness about suicide prevention in your congregation and community.

Saturday, September 20

9:00-3:00 pm Acts & Imagination at Advent

Lutheran, Mill Creek—onsite

Sunday, September 21

9:30 am Worship Service—onsite & online

Children's Chapel (PreK-5th)

11:00 am Confirmation—onsite

11:00 am Worship Planning Meeting—onsite

1-6:oo pm Unity Church—onsite

Monday, September 22

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

—onsite

5:30-9:00 pm   Boy Scouts—onsite

Tuesday, September 23

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 24

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

—onsite

11:30 am Women's Bible Study—onsite

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

—online

Thursday, September 25

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 26

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

—onsite

Saturday, September 27

9:00 am Coffee, Donuts and Prayer—onsite

Sunday, September 28

9:30 am Worship Service—onsite & online

11:00 am Youth Group—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.

Thanks to everyone who attended the Packing Party

Financial Snapshot

For month ending August 2025:

General Fund Balance — $190,415.46

Monthly Income — $23,056.81

Monthly Expenses — $12,949.79

Monthly Net Revenue — $10,107.02

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.

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.

September 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.