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GRACE NOTES
~A weekly newsletter of grace and information~
November 2, 2025
Be a pointe of grace — God’s grace, to everyone you meet . . .
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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.
| | Sing the Lords praise
in the assembly of the faithful. (Ps. 149:1) | | |
Choir Rehearsals
Sunday at 8:45am
Meet around the piano
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All Saints & Confirmation Sunday
Sunday during the 9:30 am service
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Children's Church
Sunday during the 9:30 am service
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Confirmation Class
Sunday at 11:00 am
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Theology Pub
Sunday at 2:00 pm
at the Harbour Pointe Golf Club
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Sno-King Youth
Sunday at 6:00 pm at Christ the King, Snohomish
Meet in the parking lot at 5:30 pm to carpool.
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Growth in Knowing:
Deepening Our Understanding And Connection
| | Listening for the Spirit—What Is God Speaking to Us Now? | |
One piece of wisdom I heard often in seminary continues to shape my discernment: “Pay attention to what God has been doing before your arrival.”
As you listen for the Spirit and ponder what kind of pastoral leadership might best serve Pointe of Grace, please know that God has also been preparing someone to come. That person may be discerning right now, just as you are. Listening for the Spirit means noticing the movement of God already underway and joining it with open hearts.
If we’ve already set our minds on a specific kind of pastoral leadership, we risk missing the invitation to hear what God is speaking to this community now.
Over the past two months, many of you have begun to sense what needs to be prepared for fruitful conversations with the transition team. You may also be carrying questions, some clear, some still forming. That’s part of the journey.
The transition team and I are committed to walking alongside you as we articulate our collective voice: one that expresses the kind of pastoral leadership Pointe of Grace needs in this season.
Following the last two weeks’ reflections, you may be wondering:
- What ministries are most in need of renewed leadership?
- What existing gifts, talents, and skills would help a new pastor thrive here?
- What gifts and leadership traits will the new pastor bring that align with this community’s needs and hopes?
And what if some of those strengths already exist within this community? In that case, what kind of leadership might a pastor bring to support and complement the gifts of lay leaders by building up what’s already strong and nurturing what’s still growing?
As you reflect, I invite you to consider this: What metaphor resonates with you as you think about growing a church? For Jesus in Luke 5:31–32, it functions like a clinic or a hospital—a place where the hurting are welcomed and healing begins. What image speaks to you?
Doctor = Jesus (healer of souls)
Sick = sinners (those aware of their need)
Healthy = self-righteous (those who think they’re fine without help)
Hospital = his presence or ministry (a place of healing and transformation)
Leadership in the church is meant to be collaborative, not competitive. It’s like growing a family across generations: adults demonstrate what life-giving partnership looks like; children learn responsibility by watching how adults serve with love and generosity. Over time, they begin to share in the work, not out of obligation or scarcity, but out of love and abundance.
It’s also like strengthening and sustaining a refugee camp. Refugees like seekers arrive with broken hearts, yearning for Good News. Healing takes time. Trust takes time. Learning new skills and unlearning old patterns takes time, just as discipleship and stewardship do. But slowly, they grow into caregivers themselves, no longer just care receivers.
This week, I invite you to ponder and to pray:
- For the future pastor God is preparing for this church.
- For the metaphor that best helps you imagine what it means to grow a church.
Ask God to bring clarity. Pray for a pastoral leader whose gifts, talents, and spirit will help Pointe of Grace flourish for years to come.
What’s Coming Next in Grace Notes: Week of November 10: Faithful Stewardship—How Do We Prioritize and Use Our Resources Well?
With anticipation and gratitude, Interim Pastor Jade Yi
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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
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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.
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Growth in Learning:
Nurturing Hearts and Minds Across All Ages
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Preschool Pathways
Foundations of Faith and Play
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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!
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Children:
Wonder, Worship and Interactive Learning
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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.
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Youth:
Connection, Questions, and Spiritual Growth
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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.
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Youth Ministry Monthly Rhythm
1st Sunday each Month
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Confirmation Class – 11:00 AM - Noon (onsite) October 2025 to October 2026
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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.
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2nd Sunday each Month
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IQ+EQ+CQ+PQ Sunday – 11:00 AM - Noon (onsite)
3rd Sunday each Month
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Confirmation Class – 11:00 AM – Noon (onsite)
4th Sunday each Month
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Service Sunday – 11:00 AM (Flexible)
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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!
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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.
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Parent Resources:
Support, Tools, and Shared Wisdom
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Parenting Class with Love & Logic
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 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.
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Adult Formation & More:
Classes, Groups and Opportunities to Grow
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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.
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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.
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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
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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, 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
Monday, November 3
9:00 am-1:00 pm Harbour Pointe Preschool
—onsite
9:00 am Preschool Parent Chat—onsite
9:45 am Preschool Chapel—onsite
5:30-9:00 pm Boy Scouts—onsite
Tuesday, November 4
9:00 am-1:00 pm Harbour Pointe Preschool
—onsite
9:00 am Preschool Parent Chat—onsite
9:15-10:15 am KHS Packs4Kids Volunteers
—onsite
9:45 am Preschool Chapel—onsite
10-11:00 am PoG Staff Meeting—onsite
5:30-7:00 pm LoTH AA—onsite
6:30-8:00 pm Packs 4 Kids Packing Party
—onsite
7:00-9:00 pm Sober on the Sound AA—onsite
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Wednesday, November 5
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, November 6
9:00 am-1:00 pm Harbour Pointe Preschool
—onsite
10-11:00 am AA Meeting—onsite
10:00 am Prayer Shawl Ministry—onsite
6:30-8:00 pm Girl Scouts—onsite
7:30-9 pm Order of St. Luke Payer & Bible Study
—online
Friday, November 7
9:00 am-1:00 pm Harbour Pointe Preschool
—onsite
Saturday, November 8
Sunday, November 9
9:30 am Worship Service—onsite & online
11:00 am Youth Group in The Hive—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. | | |
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
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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.
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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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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
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In Our Wider Community
Outreach, Partnership and Service Opportunities
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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
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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!
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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:
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.
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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.
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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:
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
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November Spirit
Click here for the November 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.
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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.
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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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