GRACE NOTES

~A weekly newsletter of grace and information~

August 17, 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 the Care Pastor

Gosh, it seems like we are racing towards fall and our big back-to-school Sunday on September 7. So much is happening, See the articles below for all the things that kick off on 9/7/25. 

Anja Conklin recently resigned as our Preschool Director to take advantage of an opportunity offered by the Mukilteo School District to finish her degree and certificate and get back into the classroom which has always been her calling. We are making progress toward hiring Anja’s replacement and will interview our first candidate this week. 

Please note the announcement below of a Tech Team meeting after church on August 24. This is an important meeting to talk about scheduling, communication, and a few technical issues that have arisen recently. Please meet around the tech booth after worship. 

Blessings to you all as you enjoy these last days of summer. 

God bless, Pastor Coe

Pastoral Care Emergencies

Our Care Pastor has THIS Phone

If you or a loved one is in need of pastoral care in an emergency (hospitalization or death) the pastoral care cell phone is 

425-561-8658.

Hive Opened During Worship

The Hive is now open during worship. It is available for parents who need a quiet place for children.

Please understand that no supervision or programming is being provided by the church. Parents are responsible for their children while in the Hive. 

Love & Logic Parenting Class

Aug. 24th at 11 am in Meeting Room

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.

Starting in September, this class will meet on 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.

Harbour Christian Preschool Summer Camp

Only 3 spots Left

Registration due by Aug. 24.

Women's Bible Study

Summer Potluck

Wed, Aug. 27 at 11:30 am

Bible study potluck will be held at Carol Loges on Wednesday, August 27 at 11:30. The following week, Wednesday September 3, we will begin our study of the book of James. 

Text Carol at (425) 446-2703 or Evelyn at (425) 652-6716 if you have questions. Join us!

Safe Haven Training Dates

Tues, Sept. 2, 2025 1:00-3:00, Pointe of Grace Lutheran

All Pointe of Grace staff and Council members and all who work with, volunteer in support of, serve, teach, or lead children at any time are required to be Safe Haven trained. A refresher is required every two years.

This training isn't just for volunteers, though. It does contain valuable information not only about Pointe of Grace's policies regarding safety and welfare, but it also addresses many of these issues in a way that helps anybody with establishing safe boundaries and recognizing signs of trouble in kids. Therefore, anyone who is interested in learning more about the program and policies may attend.

These trainings will be led by Deacon Dustin, and Gloria Dei is offering them in conjunction with Pointe of Grace Lutheran Church in Mukilteo.

If you need Safe Haven training or a refresher, please plan on one of these dates. Once you have completed the training, please fill out a Safe Haven Renewal form and an In Person Training Acknowledgement Form, both of which can be found at our website and turn it in to the office.

Thank you very much for caring for our children. 

Women’s Bible Study

Wednesdays from 10-11:30 am

Starting Wed, Sept. 3, 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.

Heart of Mukilteo Parade

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

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. 

Transportation & Parking: Parking will be available at Olympic View Middle School with shuttles beginning at 10:30 AM. Limited parking will be available on 4th and 5th Street. Any vehicles parked at Rosehill will need to leave by noon for a private event. 

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. 

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

Location: TBD

(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.

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.

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.

Yehiel Curry elected

presiding bishop of the ELCA

Yehiel Curry was elected July 30 to serve a six-year term as presiding bishop of the ELCA. 



Speaking to the ELCA Churchwide Assembly after his election as presiding bishop today, Yehiel Curry reflected on his first ministry role as a lay mission developer of Shekinah Chapel in Riverdale, Ill.

“I'm what a return on your investment looks like," he said. "Perhaps I’m out there in one of you. I never saw myself as good enough, so for two years, I said no. I finally said yes. When I said yes, your support, this church’s support, of that ministry meant everything. So if you want to know what your benevolence dollars look like, it looks like me. And I want to say thank you. Thank you for your investment.”

Click here to read the Living Lutheran article about electing Bishop Curry.

Rev. Curry was a speaker at the 2012 Gathering in New Orleans - click here to hear his speech.

Summer Reflection & Saturday Morning Meetups 

9am-10am Saturday mornings:

Dates listed below.

Each month this summer, The LiVE Project invites you into a gentle rhythm of reflection and connection. We’ll offer a spacious, soul-stirring reflection prompt — a question or idea to journey with at your own pace. You might reflect through journaling, prayer, art-making, or quiet thought. However you engage, the invitation is simple: make room for what stirs.

Alongside each prompt, we’ll host two Saturday morning Zoom gatherings (9–10am) to explore what’s rising. These are gentle, lightly facilitated spaces to share stories, listen deeply, and find companionship in the questions — not to reach answers, but to grow together in the unfolding.

Whether you’re looking to reconnect spiritually, stay rooted in community, or explore new dimensions of your faith, we hope this rhythm creates meaningful space for you. Please join us for these FREE online gatherings.

Register Here: https://nwwasynod.regfox.com/live-saturday-summer-morning-meet-ups

Theologically Thoughtful

• Aug. 23 —Session 6: A Faith That Grows (final summer session)

Queer Renewal: Wilderness & Homecoming at Holden Village

Friday, Sept. 26 thru Mon, Sept, 29



Join Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries & Proclaim to explore Queer Renewal in times that challenge us, that call for our resiliency & transformation. How might being surrounded by wilderness, actual & metaphorical, provide us a way home to ourselves & to support we need in community?



Whether through discussion forums with fellow attendees, through making art, hiking, sharing talents, or reciting poetry outdoors by a fire, there’s a place at this retreat for your Queer self to thrive. Spouses, significant others, children, & the rainbow manifestations of your Queer family–all are welcome to attend.



Registration opens is open.

For more information, visit https://www.holdenvillage.org/.../queer-renewal.../

To explore the work of Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries, visit https://www.elm.org/

Finding God in Unexpected Places

Middle School & High School Synod Fall Retreat

November 7 – 9, 2025 at Black Diamond Camp

Join us November 7-9 for our third annual fall retreat. We will be at Black Diamond Camp with a theme of “Finding God in Unexpected Places.” Thanks to a generous donation from the NWWA Synod Children, Youth, and Family Committee, the cost is $125 per person. An email with additional information will be sent out mid-June. More details will be available and registration opens in early September.

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, August 17

9:30 am Worship Service—onsite & online

11:00 am Worship Planning Meeting—onsite

1-6:oo pm Unity Church—onsite

Monday, August 18

5:30-9:00 pm   Boy Scouts—onsite

Tuesday, August 19

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, August 20

Thursday, August 21

10-11:00 am AA Meeting—onsite

10-11:00 am Prayer Shawl Ministry—onsite

6:00-8 pm Girl Scouts—onsite

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

—online

Friday, August 22

Saturday, August 23

9:00 am Coffee, Donuts & Prayer—onsite

9-1:00 pm Council Retreat—onsite

Sunday, August 24

9:30 am Worship Service—onsite & online

11:00 am Parenting with Love & Logic—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.

Transition Update

Pointe of Grace is pleased to welcome Reverend Jade Yi as our new interim pastor beginning September 1.

Pastor Yi has extensive experience as an interim pastor and as a congregational coach helping churches work through challenges. At Pointe of Grace, she will be guiding us through the process of calling a new pastor, a process that typically takes a year or more. We will install Pastor Yi as our new interim pastor during Sunday worship on September 7.

Thanks David!

We appreciate all the work David had done for Pointe of Grace over the years. We wish him the best on his next step in life: college at WSU.

August Youth Outing to Wild Waves!

Noah and Thomas

visiting Laura Crawford

Financial Snapshot

For month ending June 2025:

General Fund Balance — $184,250.54

Monthly Income — $28,881.63

Monthly Expenses — $13,659.57

Monthly Net Revenue — $15,222.06

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.

July’s regular Council meeting:

A discussion about the Transition Process

Submitted by: Kristina Bowman, Council Secretary

At is July 17 regular meeting, your Church Council welcomed the Rev. Andy Yee from the Synod for a conversation on the pastoral transition process. The Council agreed to meet with a candidate for care pastor and transition pastor who the Synod recommended during the following week. Pastor Coe’s term will be up at the end of August and he is looking forward to retirement (he is also looking forward to continuing to be involved with the ministry of the church as a parishioner).

Documentation from Andy has details about forming groups for transition and call committee on the Synod transition website. It takes time for a group to discern God’s message, which is what this process is designed to help congregations to do. We will need volunteers for these committees (this might be a great option for people who are worried about a long-term commitment since these two committees meet for a finite amount of time). 

The call committee will interview candidates for full-time pastor and there will likely be a time when their work is confidential during which they will not be able to share with others in the congregation. This is to ensure that pastors feel comfortable expressing interest in the position, but will still be able to return to their congregation if they aren’t selected.

The transition committee will be working with Council on the Ministry Site Profile, which will give prospective applicants an idea of who we are and what kind of pastor we are looking for. This is an opportunity for our congregation to look at where we are now and where we want to go.

The Council also discussed a letter of intent (LOI) for the cell phone tower and our mortgage loan with Thrivent. After discussing concerns about language in the LOI as reviewed by our attorney, the Council decided to get more information and possibly ask for some revisions before going forward with the LOI. The Council also discussed options pertaining to the remainder of our mortgage loan if Thrivent requires us to pay off the loan when we sell the tower lease. Several Council members were scheduled to meet the next day via video chat with our cell phone specialist and our Realtor at Kidder Mathews.

The meeting closed in prayer led by Pastor Coe.

Children and Youth Minister Job Posting

The Council approved a revised job description for a Director of Children and Youth Ministry and authorized the posting of the job opening. We are seeking a part time youth minister starting as early as mid-August. If you have any ideas about candidates we should consider for this position please let Pastor Coe know. 

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

—Vice President—council.vp@pointeofgracechurch.org

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

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

Alicia Raaum—council.1@pointeofgracechurch.org

Peter Catterall—council.2@pointeofgracechurch.org 

Bryan Lee—council.3@pointeofgracechurch.org 

Karl Olson

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 July/August 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.