This has been a busy and exciting week here at Grace. On Monday, Vicar Spence began his internship year with us. And on Wednesday, we welcomed Sabena Maiden to the church staff. As is always the case when new folks start, there is a whole lot to learn. But, both seem to be doing really well and taking things in stride! I can't wait for them to get settled into their roles and to see the ways that the Spirit moves to inspire future ministry! On Sunday, we will install Sabena, Vicar Spence, and the Internship Committee.

As you may recall, Sabena is going to be part-time and we are still working out how that will look. In the coming weeks, we will plan to update our office hours so that members and friends of Grace will have a better sense of when is a good time to stop by if they need something.

This week also brings the excitement of looking ahead to the fall schedule and the resuming of some of our more regular ministries. Of note, the Choir resumed practice this week and Handbells will resume next week. Through the summer months we have been blessed with several special soloists, small groups and instrumentalists that have added so much to our worship services. I would like to offer my thanks to all those who shared their gifts in a special way in June and July!

Finally, thank you to everyone who has been volunteering to fill almost all of our Sunday morning volunteer opportunities. If you see an opening that you think you may be able to help with, please contact Sabena Maiden (graceboone@gmail.com).

~ Pastor Steve

Next Sunday will be Lauren Johnson's last official Sunday at Grace. As many know, Lauren recently completed a degree in Speech Pathology and accepted a position working in schools down in Asheboro. Lauren, of course, grew up here at Grace, and more recently has been serving on the church staff in a variety of roles. Most recently, she has been serving as the Associate Director of Music Ministries. Specifically, she has been taking the lead with our Children's Music Program. We will all miss her terribly and wish her the best of luck. On Sunday, we will do a special blessing for Lauren in worship.

Additionally, along with accepting this new professional position, Lauren recently shared that she has been invited to sing in the prestigious Bel Canto Company (https://www.belcantocompany.com/) which will open its 40th season in October. So, we may just have to organize a field trip down to Greensboro to enjoy some wonderful music and support Lauren in this new chapter of her life!

~ Pastor Steve

Good People of Grace,

This is Spence - your incoming vicar - dropping a line to say "hello!" I'm looking forward to meeting you, worshiping among you, learning from you and with you, while serving alongside you.

The staff at Grace are most welcoming. Their expressions of hospitality and attention to any needs expressed have aided tremendously in my settling in at Grace. I am grateful for them.

I am appreciative of the provided living accommodations. Grace Place, as I believe you call it, has made for a wonderful home-away-from-home. As for my office, it has given me the space that is needed. Thank you for providing these accommodations.

Sunday will be my first time worshiping at Grace. I look forward to gathering with you, hearing God's Word proclaimed among you, receiving the bread of life and the wine of heaven with you, and going forth in ministry together - to love and serve our neighbor and each other.

Know that God is with you. God is with us - indeed!

Vicar Spence

Last Sunday, we heard more about the amazing work of Matthew 25:40 from Lynn Isenhower. Several folks have asked for more information about their ongoing and special projects. Some have also asked about the possibility of organizing another group from Grace to participate in an upcoming mission trip. Take a few moments to visit the Matthew 25:40 website and hear more about this experience from Lisa Haas.

The Faith Formation Team is organizing a family tubing event on August 14th. Gail and Ron Schuette have generously offered to host lunch at 12pm at their home with tubing to follow. Please take a moment to register by Wednesday, August 10th and let us know if you need to borrow a tube. Plus, we are hoping each family will be able to bring a side dish or dessert to add to the lunch.

Grace has renewed and increased our partnership with Mountain Home Music. Along with hosting the Annual Christmas Concert (Dec. 17, 2022), we will also be hosting two weekend afternoon concerts. The first is August 16th at 2pm. You can register below on the Mountain Home Music website.

In 2023, Grace will be celebrating its 100th Anniversary serving and supporting our community! We are looking for some historians and party planners who can help us put together a wonderful celebration of our history, as we look forward to the next 100 years of ministry here in Boone! If you are interested in participating in the 100th Anniversary Planning Team, we would love your help. Email the Grace Office for more information.

Pastor Steve is beginning a new series Be Not Afraid. This is a three-week study provided by Lutheran Immigrant and Refugee Service.

July 31st -- Be Not Afraid, Part 1

August 7th -- Be Not Afraid, Part 2

August 14th -- Be Not Afraid, Part 3

August 21st -- Information Session for Congregational Meeting

Our next book study will begin on August 28th. We will be taking a look at the book Rebooting Jesus by Thomas Mueller.

What makes this so neat is that Thomas has agreed to facilitate the Sunday morning conversations! Order your book now to be ready for August 28th!

If you would like the church to order you a copy of the book, please contact Pastor Steve.

We continue to offer a Thursday morning Bible Study for those interested in taking a deeper look at the readings for the upcoming Sunday. This class is offered in both an in-person and online format and is led each week by the person who will be preaching the next Sunday. This class is for everyone who is interested in taking an in-depth look at scriptures and asking the question, "What does this mean for me and for our community?"

The Listening Post, a campus ministry sponsored by Presbyterian-Episcopal Campus Ministry, is seeking volunteers for the Fall Semester beginning on August 23, 2022, at Appalachian State University. Listeners are mature adult conversationalists who will enjoy listening more than talking with college students (as well as others). Volunteers should be able to ask leading questions and then listen with an open mind and heart, without trying to “fix it,” or put forth an agenda. Listening Post workers are not counselors, yet we enjoy the encouragement and support of ASU's Counseling Center and its administration.

We are seeking Listeners to serve 1.5-to-2-hour shifts on Tuesdays and/or Thursdays at the Plemmons Student Union or the new Leon Levine Health Science Hall. We also need two volunteers to serve at Park Place Café in Trivette Hall from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm on Wednesdays. Parking is provided. Volunteers must attend a brief orientation session.

If you are interested, please contact Pastor Steve.