GRACE NOTES
~A weekly newsletter of grace and information~
December 22, 2024
Be a pointe of grace — God’s grace, to everyone you meet . . .
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As people of Grace, made one in the waters of baptism, we are strengthened by diversity. We are a community that 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.
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You, Lord, have lifted up the lowly. (Lk. 1:52) | |
Adult Choir at Pointe of Grace
Every Sunday at 8:45 am
Meet around the Piano
Come sing with us at Pointe of Grace! Adult and Children's Choir rehearsals begin soon. All are welcome, regardless of musical experience. We are currently preparing to sing in worship.
Questions? Email Rebecca at music@pointeofgracechurch.org
Play an instrument and want to be a part of music at Pointe of Grace, email Rebecca at music@pointeofgracechurch.org
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Bring your Poinsettias to Church
Because the office will be closed Monday and Tuesday, we ask you to bring your flowers in with you to service on Sunday.
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Youth Group
Every Sunday at 11am in the Hive
Youth Group Every Sunday at 11am Every Sunday the youth (5th-12th graders) are welcomed into The Hive at 11:00 AM.
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Candlelight Christmas Eve Service
With Holy Communion
Tuesday, December 24 at 6:00 pm
Celebrate the birth of our Savior at our Christmas Eve Service. Worship is in person or available online. Invite your friends and neighbors to this family friendly worship service.
All are welcome.
We can’t wait to worship with you.
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Service of Lessons & Laughter
Sunday, December 29, at 9:30am
This service consists of three lessons; in each lesson, there is scripture, singing, and a creative response rooted in joy. Come enjoy a different kind of worship.
Come as you are - be comfortable...in Christmas sweaters or pjs for this fun service.
All are welcome!
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Office Closed
December 23-January 6
The office will be closed between Monday, December 23 and Monday, January 6.
The office will reopen on Tuesday, January 7.
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Children's Church
1st and 3rd Sunday of Each Month
during 9:30 am Service
We welcome our youngest worshipers to Children's Church on the first and third 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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PACKS FOR KIDS
“PACKING PARTYS”
January Packing Parties:
Jan. 7 from 6:30-8:00 pm
Jan. 21 from 4:30-6:00 pm
February Packing Parties:
Feb. 4 from 6:30-8:00 pm
Feb. 18 from 4:30-6:00 pm
Providing 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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Women's Bible Study
Every Wednesday at 10:00 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.
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We will begin the Life Guide study of Daniel: Spiritual Living in a Secular World by Douglas Connelly on January 15, 2025. It is available at Amazon and various other sites.
Contact Evelyn if you need help getting the study book.
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Confirmation Class
Sunday, January 5 at 11:00am
(1st Sunday of Each Month)
Held on the first Sunday of every month. This is a 2 year program for students 6th-12th grade with their parents and mentors walking through their baptismal promises. We cover topics and lessons of: Old & New Testament, Apostles' Creed, Lord's Prayer, Ten Commandments, and the Sacraments, intertwined with the small catechism and Bible study.
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New Day for the New Year
Grief Support Group
1st Monday each month at 12:30pm
at the Mukilteo YMCA
Know anyone who is grieving? Pastor Pam facilitates a grief support group at the Mukilteo YMCA which is open to all.
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Love & Logic Parenting Class
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 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. During the 2024-25 adult learning cycle, we are offering a parenting class and support group to help gain new perspective 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, on Sundays during adult learning time. If you have any questions please e-mail him at karltolson@gmail.com
While parenting can feel lonely, this is a chance to come together to celebrate and collaborate.
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FREE LiVE Project
Weekly Online Bible Study
Abide: Going Deeper
Tuesdays via Zoom, 7pm-8pm
We invite you to abide curiously in God's Word together. The LiVE retreats and courses are not meant to be stand alone offerings. Go deeper into the Biblical grounding of the course/retreat themes in this weekly synod-wide FREE Bible Study. No need to pre-register.
Join us any week! More info and Zoom link click here.
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Blue Christmas Winter Solstice Worship Service
presented by the Center of Addiction & Faith
Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024 at 5pm (Pacific) ONLINE
In the midst of this long dark season when much of nature seems dead and lifeless, we look for the light of hope. "A light shines in the darkness and the darkness did not overcome it." And yet, sometimes the light of hope can seem pretty dim and the darkness very real. We offer this virtual candlelight service designed for those who may not be feeling the happiness and joy that this season calls for. For some of us, the Christmas season is more than difficult. We gather to acknowledge the pain you may be feeling and to plead for help and hope and light from out of the darkness.
The link to register for the service is here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIufuqvrTsoGtGznxZ5QHwO26EReaJNbO0e#/registration
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Annual Blue Christmas Virtual Service
The Women of the ELCA
Sat, Dec. 21 at 5:00 pm (7pm CST) via Zoom.
Our Virtual Blue Christmas Service offers a safe place to express your grief, fear and loss. A service of short readings and prayer with peaceful and reflective music. Spanish translation is provided.
All Welcome to all.
REGISTER: https://www.womenoftheelca.org/.../blue-christmas-service
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Service of Remembrance
Friday, January 3rd 4 p.m.
Live Streamed! and in person
Immanuel Lutheran Church
1215 Thomas St. Seattle 98109 (limited parking)
A time to remember, honor and pray for those who have died on the streets or as a result of being homeless.
This event will be live-streamed at: https://youtube.com/@immanuelseattle Livestream participants are invited to join the Live chat as we gather in community. Commenting and chat functions will be disabled when service concludes, and recording is posted
Contact Pr. Kristy Daniels at PastorKristy@compasshousingalliance.org or (206) 474-1007 for more information or to add names to the list.
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January SKY Meeting
Sunday, January 5 from 6pm-7:30pm
Holy Trinity Lutheran, Mercer Island
SKY is open to all youth grades 6-12, and friends are invited! This is a great chance to make some new connections while enjoying a fun-filled evening.
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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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December 22
Bring Poinsettias to Service
8:45 am Adult Choir Rehearsal—onsite
9:30 am Worship Service—onsite & online
11:00 am Youth Group—onsite
1:00-6:00 pm Unity Church—onsite
December 24-January 5
Church office is closed.
Monday, December 23
Church office is closed.
5:30-9:00 pm Boy Scouts—onsite
Tuesday, December 24
Church office is closed.
5:30-7pm LoTH AA—onsite
6:00 pm Christmas Eve Candle-light Service
with Communion—onsite & online
7:00 pm Unity Church Christmas—onsite
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Wednesday, December 25
Merry Christmas
Church office is closed.
Thursday, December 26
Church office is closed.
10:00-11:00 am AA Meeting—onsite
5:30-8:00 pm Girl Scouts—onsite
7:30 pm OSL Prayer & Bible Study—online
Friday, December 27
Church office is closed.
Saturday, December 28
December 29
9:30 am Worship Service—onsite & online
Pajama & Christmas Sweater Sunday
1:00-6:00 pm Unity Church—onsite
December 30-January 5
Church office is closed.
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For more information, go to the Pointe of Grace website or call the office at 425-263-8730. | |
2024 Children & Youth Christmas Program | |
A huge thank you to all the kids who participated. | |
Twelve Packs of Christmas
A "Packs for Kids" Food Drive
Dec. 2 to Jan 5
The attached song lyrics includes all of the items PACKS FOR KIDS seeks for donations to fill packs.
The preschool made it a song as a way to have children get involved and be part of the giving. You may bring a little each day or collect it at home and bring it all in to donate at once.
If you want to participate in this fun food drive: click here for the "12 Packs of Christmas" lyrics.
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Holy Communion at Your Home
Pastor Pam loves to visit and share Holy Communion with our shut ins and those who are hospitalized. Building a team of Home Holy Communion Ministers is forming. If you are interested in being part of this team, please contact Pastor Pam. If you are in need of having Holy Communion brought to your home, due to being homebound please contact Pastor Pam.
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New Office Hours
Starting December 3, the office will be opened Tuesday-Friday from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm.
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God and Mental Health Challenges
free, online, self-paced course
What You’ll Learn:
- Thinking theologically about mental health
- What it means to care for yourself & others
- Practical definitions and skills for supporting others with specific mental health challenges
- Intersection of spiritual and medical perspectives
- The value of deep listening and other best practices and resources for caregivers
- Why the spiritual practice of lament matters
- Clear processes for identifying when professional help is necessary
Faith+Lead, along with generous donors with a passion for mental health in church communities, now offers a mental health course for free. If you need support navigating the overwhelming frontlines of mental health challenges in your community, “God and Mental Health Challenges” was created to provide you with those useful tools! Learn more and register here.
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Packs for Kids Amazon Wish List:
The Pack for Kids Alliance has created an Amazon Wish List to help collect food donations and raise awareness of the charity within Mukilteo Community.
Click here to find the Wish List.
The Alliance is a group of community members (Packs for Kids Ministry, Packs for Kids WA, Girl Scouts, YMCA, Mukilteo School District, Rotary etc) who are working together to provide food to children in Mukilteo School District who experience food insecurity over the weekends; students in ECAP and High School have access to food pantries and students K-8th are provided with a bag of food on Friday to help provide food for the weekend.
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Financial Snapshot
For month ending November 2024:
General Fund Balance — $ 120,473.54
Monthly Income — $ 50,315.83
Monthly Expenses — $ 25,354.89
Monthly Net Revenue — $ 24,960.94
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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
Lectors: Jeff Mach
Communion Servers: SEEKING MINISTRY LEADER
Ushers/Greeters: Ron Evans
Acolyte & Crucifers: Alicia Raaum
Altar Guild: Janet Hutchison
Fellowship: Shelley & Bill Franz
Tech Booth: David Kinner Jr.
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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, Wednesday and Thursday from 9am-2:30pm.
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Grace Notes Deadline
Announcements for the Grace Notes must be received by noon on Wednesday.
If articles are not received before the deadline, they will be added to the next week's edition.
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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. | |
ELCA Truth & Healing Movement
The ELCA’s Truth & Healing Movement is an opportunity for this church to increase our understanding of our colonizing impacts on Indigenous people in the past and present.
Right Relations Training
An experiential training designed to provide a guide to Christian and settler-descended volunteers who want to engage in movements for Indigenous Justice.
In 2025, the Coalition to Dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery will offer monthly online training! They will rotate between "Right Relations" and "Decolonizing and Organizing for Systems Change" training modules.
This coming January, the Coalition will offer online "Right Relations Training" training in 2 two-hour modules. "Right Relations Training" is an experiential training designed to provide a guide to Christian and settler-descended volunteers who want to engage in movements for Indigenous Justice.
Module 1: January 18 at 11am (Central) REGISTER FOR MODULE 1
Module 2: January 22 at 6:30pm (Central) REGISTER FOR MODULE 2
NEW: A discussion guide is now available to help readers think more deeply and critically about Custer Died for Your Sins, the wisdom that Vine Deloria Jr offers therein, and the challenges Indigenous people still face today. Download the guide below and begin a Truth and Healing Movement Reading Circle with members of your community.
Visit ELCA.org/TruthAndHealing to learn more about all upcoming events
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The Spirit
Click here for the December 2024 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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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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