E-News

The One Who Believes: A Lenten Journey through the Small Catechism | This year, our Lenten emphasis will be on the six parts of Luther’s Small Catechism. Luther organized the Catechism to lead the reader through the logic of belief, and we will look at each part during our Wednesday evening worship:

• Week One (Ash Wednesday, Feb 18 ) – “Our Need: The Ten Commandments”
• Week Two (Feb 25 ) “God Acts—The Creed”
• Week Three (March 4) “Our Response – The Lord’s Prayer”
• Week Four (March 11) “The One Who Believes, Part One—On Baptism”
• Week Five (March 18) “The One Who Believes, Part Two –On Confession”
• Week Six (March 25) “The One Who Believes, Part Three – On The Supper”

A Lenten Devotional to help you in your Lenten discipline will be available starting Transfiguration Sunday, February 15. Come join your brothers and sisters each Wednesday for prayer, song and reflection on God’s Word of promise to the one who believes!

Lenten Meals | Each Wednesday during the Lenten season, we will gather together for a shared meal at 6pm before the 7pm Evening Prayer Service. If you would like to provide a simple meal (such as soup and sandwiches), please click here to sign up. Thank you for sharing your gift of hospitality as an expression of Christ’s love among us.

Witness Workshop | We will be holding a Witness Workshop Thursdays from February 19 - March 26. DCO Anna will be leading a discussion group on sharing your faith. Meetings will take place on Zoom each Thursday at 7pm. Each week, you will be asked to read a portion of Joining Jesus on His Mission: How to Be an Everyday Missionary by Greg Finke and discuss how to apply it in our lives and at Grace. Let Anna (dco.anna.voelker@gracedurham.org) know if you plan to join by February 7 so that she can get the book to you by the first meeting.

This is an opportunity to not only grow in faith but in our ability to be the Church wherever we are. What does Going with Good News: teaching, serving, and sharing Christ with our neighbors look like in real life? Let's come together to discuss how we can put this mission into action!

Save the Date: Ministry Mingle Sunday March 1 | The purpose of the Ministry Mingle is to:

• Create awareness of ministry and group opportunities
• Improve communication with the congregation
•  Help congregants learn more about our shared life together
• Highlight how we are serving Christ through various ministries

The event, which will take place Sunday, March 1 in the Fellowship Hall following worship, will invite ministry and group leaders to participate and share their mission, activities, and impact. This will be an interactive experience and a chance to enter a drawing to win a special prize! Hope to see you there!

Puerto Rico Mission Trip Update | The Puerto Rico mission trip is confirmed for May 9-16, 2026! If you are interested in going, but want to learn more, please join us on February 9 at 7pm on Zoom. Please email Anna (dco.anna.voelker@gracedurham.org) for the Zoom link. While we won't know final details until the trip gets closer, we want to answer all the questions that we can. The deadline to join this mission trip is February 18. Click here if you plan to go.

Congregational Nominations for President and Vice-Presidents | As a member of Grace Lutheran, you are eligible to cast nominations for synod officers. Click here for further information. Submit you nominations to the church office (office@gracedurham.org) no later than February 5.

Your Discipleship Pathway at Grace | Over the past weeks, you may have seen references to Grace's Discipleship Pathway. Each step is designed to meet people where they are and invite them more deeply into the life of the church and the life of faith.

This week, we’re taking a closer look at Step 2. This step helps you build a stronger foundation in Scripture and faith. You’ll explore the Bible’s story, learn how to read it with confidence, and grow in understanding God’s grace. Through classes, small groups, and shared experiences, you’ll begin forming meaningful connections at Grace and discover how following Christ shapes everyday decisions and relationships. Look for the Step 2 icon to get involved in groups and classes and pick up your bag if you haven't had a chance at the Welcome Center in the Narthex.

ESL Update | Due to a lack of attendance, ESL classes have been put on pause. We encourage you to spread the news and tell anyone that might benefit from this opportunity whenever new dates are shared. If you know of someone interested now, please feel free to give them Anna's email address (dco.anna.voelker@gracedurham.org) or send Anna theirs. Most importantly, we ask for your prayers as we navigate this new ministry and seek ways to connect with the local community. 

Marie Hammond, serving with the Peace Corps in Kenya | We have received a new issue of Marie's newsletter on January 25. Click here for the latest news and pictures.

Update from Frank Ourwari | "Just want to send greetings to everyone at Grace. Please know I will forever be grateful for the love, generosity & above all the opportunity to worship with everyone at Grace. I am doing well in Nigeria (Port Harcourt) and God is protecting me. No worries at all so far ….. thank God. May you all have a new year full of hope, optimism , blessings & good health." -Best regards from Frank Ourwari

-Recurring News-

Zoom Book Club

Contact Donna Gesell for more information and for the Zoom link.

Next meeting: TBD

Upcoming Books:

February: The President’s Daughter by Bill Clinton and James Patterson

March: Gone Before Goodbye by Reese Witherspoon and Harlan Coben

Family PALS

Contact: Donna Walston

Sunday, February 15 at 9am

Farmers Market

Contact: Dan Heuser

Home-Centered PALS

Contact: Barb Tippin

Wednesday, February 11 at 12:45pm

Learn more about the H-C PALS Group here.

Racial Reconciliation

Contact: Geoff Heintzelman

Stephen Ministry

Contact: Barb Tippin or Joe Wethman

Next meeting: TBD

Learn more about Stephen Ministry here.

Young Adult PALS

Contact Emma Pollard or Hunter Garrison

NEW DATE! Meets Sundays at 3pm

Growing Thru Grief Looking for Part-Time Program Director

The Program Director is a part-time position, charged with coordinating the weekly meetings of Growing Thru Grief and maintaining relationships with St. Paul's Lutheran Church, the GtG Coalition Board, and the larger community. Click here for more information and where to send a resume and cover letter.

Growing thru Grief is sponsored by a coalition of religious and civic organizations; there is no charge to attend. Grace is a proud Coalition Member of Growing Thru Grief. Click here for the schedule.

-Upcoming Events-

2/1 - See Sunday listing above

2/2- 11:30am Pastor's Brown Bag Bible Study

2/3 - 4pm - Growing Through Grief - St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 1200 W. Cornwallis

2/4 - 10am - LWML Quilters

12pm - Noon Prayer Service

6:30pm - Choir Rehearsal

2/7 - 9am - Installation of New Church Sign

We're looking for 6 to 8 hefty helpers to lift the large sign into place after assembly. Please email Kathy Peterson at resource@gracelutheranchurch.net or call or text 919-641-8267.

Click here for the church calendar.

-From the Church Office-

All articles for the weekly e-news should be sent to the church office no later than the Wednesday prior to the Thursday mailing. This form may also be used to submit articles.

February Birthdays, Baptism Birthdays and Anniversaries

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