GRACE NOTES

~A weekly newsletter of grace and information~

October 5, 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.

Choir Rehearsals

Sunday at 8:45am

Meet around the Piano

Children's Chapel

During the 9:30 am Service

Confirmation

Sunday at 11:00 am

In the Pastor's Office

Theology Pub

Sunday from 2:00-3:30 pm

At the Harbour Pointe Golf Club



SKY Meeting

Sunday, 6:00-7:30pm at First Baptist Church, Everett

To Carpool; meet in our parking lot at 5:30pm

Directory Renewal: Faces, Names,

and the Future We’re Shaping Together

This October, we’re updating our 2025–2026 congregation directory, and we need you in it.

Your “Yes” adds energy to this season of transition. Your photo, name, and presence will help us connect more deeply, prepare for our November 16 congregational meeting, and pave the way for calling our next permanent pastor.

Whether you’ve been here for decades or just arrived, you matter. The Transition Team will be eagerly wanting to listen closely and attentively to every voice, and the directory is a key tool for helping us see, hear, and remember one another.

Please submit your updated info and photo by October 15. Forms will be available the first two Sundays of October, or you can submit online. You’ll also be able to indicate how you’d prefer to be contacted—email, phone, or through a ministry you’re part of.

We’re using “participants” to honor everyone’s presence, and we’ll also identify confirmed baptized members for voting purposes.

Let’s build something beautiful together.

With gratitude, Pr. Jade

Council Meeting Highlights

– September 18, 2025

by Kristina Bowman, Secretary

Thank you for your continued generosity—because of your faithful giving, our revenue is outpacing expenses this year. This blessing allows us to care for our facility, staff, and ministries.

Highlights:

• Approved replacing water heater.
• Preschool is fully staffed. Please pray for our new teachers.
• Work continues on sale of the cell tower lease with our lawyer and broker.
• Council is looking for Transition Team members to help complete the Ministry Site Profile over the next several months.
• Mark your calendars: Our Congregational Meeting to approve the 2026 budget is on Nov. 16.

We are grateful for your support. As we plan for next year, we will keep rising utility costs and compensation for a full-time pastor in mind.

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

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

Preschool Chapel Reflections

Chapel for Sep. 29 & 30, 2025

How do we tell the difference between work and vocation? Work is often defined by roles, responsibilities, and expectations—assessed by our bosses, co-workers, and teammates. But vocation is something deeper. It brings life. It brings joy. Vocation is embraced by grace through faith. It’s never done alone. It’s a response of participation in what God is already doing in a particular context. And it transforms those we serve—including ourselves.

Leading Preschool Chapel is a unique expression of vocation—an invitation to serve God as an offering of love.

We just held our first Preschool Chapel gatherings on Monday and Tuesday mornings, September 29 and 30. Milissa, our Preschool Director, and I shared a few highlights below.

Milissa: Participating as a Director, having previously participated as a Teacher, gave me some idea of what the children must feel when coming to Chapel with Preschool, for the first time. Excitement, nervous apprehension and also some wonderment. 

I am quite encouraged to see that family participation was so high. Parents often want to be a part of their child’s preschool experience and this is a great way for them to participate.

Jade: What stood out to me most in these two days of chapel was Modeling and Posture. This was my first time leading chapel at Pointe of Grace and I was stepping into a space where shared language and rhythms already existed.

To help things go smoothly, the teachers gently prepared the children a week beforehand. They modeled reverence and grace—teaching the children how to hold “prayer hands” and how to honor the space by not stepping into the center, the “holy ground.”

And the children responded. Not out of obligation or performance, but with wide-eyed wonder. No pretension. No pressure. Just awe.

Milissa: Modeling a posturing was one of my favorite parts. It was a great example of how quickly our students learn and it also gave me pause to remember, they are eager to please us. When children are eager to please, our responsibility to them is to always be mindful of our influence.

Jade (continued): As I reflect on how we managed time and rituals—especially with children who, like me, were experiencing chapel for the first time. I’m grateful. By the second day, we had found a rhythm.

I wonder what stories the children might tell if asked? What feelings they carried? What sacred impressions stayed with them? How much did they absorb from this shared experience of song, story, and prayer? 

Milissa: The children appeared captivated by Pastor Jade’s creation hearts. It was so precious to see them wondering what came next in the story of creation. 

Jade: I’m already looking forward to our next chapel time. This one took a little longer because we received seven gifts each day from God’s creation story. Next time, we’ll explore the story of Noah and the 40-day flood—a story that holds its own precious gift. Stay tuned!

Milissa: I am also looking forward to our next Chapel, who doesn’t love hearing about the pairs of animals and Noah’s unabashed faith? 



I believe that as the children come to understand the routine and our bond with them grows, our rhythm will also grow. 

Jade (closing): To hold all of that—song, story, and prayer—in just 15 minutes feels like a holy invitation. A precious rhythm. A gift. A gift to pass on to whoever is ready to receive.

May you, the readers of Grace Notes and Brightwheel, also feel that sacred invitation to be part of it.



Pastor Jade & Director Milissa

Youth Work on the Preschool Playground

This past week, youth from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, led by preschool Teacher Sarah Green, spent time to help clean the preschool playground and yard. Many of the youth attended preschool here, and all attend a school in the district that receive the Packs for Kids. 

Milissa adds: We are so fortunate to have community support from past graduates, another church and Sarah Green - who is one of our rockstar teachers.

• Vehicle setup will begin at 5:30pm. Please arrive no later than 5:45pm to start decorating your trunk.
• Trunk or Treating will begin at 6:00 pm.
• All treats must be pre-purchased and individually wrapped.
• No Scary costumes - this is a family friendly event.
• Candy runners will be available to ensure you do not run out of treats.
• You must reserve your spot by October 22, 2025.

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

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)

Youth Service Sunday

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

Octoberfest Sunday

Sunday, October 12th

Coming soon.

Let’s celebrate God’s creation, harvest time and beautiful Fall weather with a celebration!

Pointe of Grace Oktoberfest is happening this year on Sunday October 12^th.  

While Oktoberfest began in Bavaria as a wedding celebration for Prince Ludwig and Princess Theresa it has become a time in the Fall to celebrate the end of harvest season, regional costumes, traditional music and FOOD. Many places around the world have some kind of Oktoberfest.

So be ready to enjoy.   

Music: German hymns during worship…..sorry no accordions or Oompah music this year!

Oktoberfest costumes if you have them: sweaters, hats, skirts, apron, Lederhosen. 

Food : Traditional brats, buns and (root) beer will be served after worship. 

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. 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

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.

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

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 5

9:30 am Worship Service—onsite & online

Children's Chapel (PreK-5th)

1-6:oo pm Unity Church—onsite

2-3:3o pm Theology Pub—offsite

6:00-7:3o pm Sno-King Youth Meeting—offsite

5:30 meeting in our parking lot to carpool

Monday, October 6

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

—onsite

5:30-9:00 pm   Boy Scouts—onsite

Tuesday, October 7

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

6:30-8:00 pm Packs4Kids Packing Party—onsite

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

Wednesday, October 8

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

—onsite

11:30 am Women's Bible Study—onsite

12:45-3:00 pm HPCP Staff Meeting—onsite

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

—online

Thursday, October 9

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

—onsite

10-11:00 am AA Meeting—onsite

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

—online

Friday, October 10

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

—onsite

Saturday, October 11

Sunday, October 12

Octoberfest Sunday

9:30 am Worship Service—onsite & online

10:30 am Brats & Root beer—onsite

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

Packs for Kids

Packing Parties

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.

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.

Packs for Kids Drawing Winners

Cheryl Bauer, Katherine Voss and Carol Voss are each a winner of a beautiful charcuterie board. These three boards were created and donated by our own Bryan Lee as a fund raiser for Packs for Kids. Thank you Bryan. And thank you to all of you who support Packs for Kids.

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. You 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

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 

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.