E-News

Thursday, January 15, 2026

What's Up?

Sunday, January 18

The Confession of St. Peter

Preaching: Pastor David Brooks/ Organist: Erin Hodge

Scheduled to Serve

8:30 AM

Lutheranism 101 Class (Duke Lutheran Center)

9:00 AM

Family PALS Group (Downstairs Grace Kids Room)

9:30 AM

Fellowship Time (Fellowship Hall)

10:10 AM - Divine Worship

Click here to download the worship folder

5:30 PM

Duke Lutheran Prayer Service and Dinner (Duke Lutheran Center)

-The Latest News-

Service For Jean Pochert | A Service for Jean Pochert will be this Saturday, January 17, at 1pm with a reception to follow. Memorial contributions may be sent in Jean’s memory to the

“Saints of Grace Fund” at Grace Lutheran Church. Obituary available here.

Change of Date! Installation of Grace's New Sign | Due to projected inclement weather, the date to install our new Buchanan/Green Street sign has moved to either January 31 or February 7. 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.

Giving Statements for 2025 are Ready | Statements can be found on the table in the main entryway before heading into the Narthex, filed alphabetically. Please pick yours up the next two Sundays. Thank you for your generosity and gifts to accomplish great things for the kingdom of God!

Make Chocolate With Us Next Wednesday | Join us on Wednesday, January 21, as our own Laura Michael leads us in crafting sweet chocolate treats to enjoy and take home. Please click here to RSVP so we can plan accordingly and have enough supplies (and lunch) for everyone.

Lutheran Hour Ministries Sunday is Coming! | Lutheran Hour Ministries Sunday is on February 1 immediately following the worship service. There will be a representative from LHM to discuss the ministries as well as examples of the free resources they provide. Visit lhm.org/discoverlhm to find a helpful resource today.

Sunday Evening Dinners for Duke Lutheran Students | You are invited to help support Duke Lutherans' Sunday evening ministry by helping provide a fellowship dinner following evening prayer. We usually have between 12-15 students. Please also provide one main vegetarian dish. The students like fresh fruit and veggies, too, and LOVE dessert! Volunteers are asked to arrive by 5:15pm; Evening Prayer begins at 5:30pm, with dinner following at 6:30pm.

If you have any questions, please contact Pastor Amanda (amanda.highben@duke.edu). Thank you so much sharing in this ministry of love and grace! Click here to sign up.

English Classes Start January 20 | Following feedback from our August Town Hall, Grace is excited to launch an English as a Second Language (ESL) program starting Tuesday, January 20, from 6:30–8pm, with weekly classes continuing through March 17 (no class on February 17). Contact Deac. Anna for flyers or invitations.

We are also looking for volunteers to help welcome participants, practice conversation, and support the teacher as needed. No teaching or prior training is required. If you are available for any of the sessions, please let Deac. Anna know. This is a meaningful way to serve our neighbors and open our doors to the community.

First-Aid Kit Updates | The first-aid kits have been checked and restocked. You can find a new first-aid kit in the kitchen (thank you, Dede) and a first-aid kit and supply box on the shelf in the Narthex across from the seating area.

Maita Family Christmas Letter | Earlier this week, we received updates from the Maita Family, LCMS Missionaries in Puerto Rico. Click here to read their letter and thank you for your continued prayers.

Update on Mo Walston | "We had a pleasant Christmas and New Year with Mo being at our house for a couple of days. He could use some outside interaction - even a phone call would be welcome. However, please avoid the week of the 18th as he has 3 major MD appointments.

Please keep us both in your prayers." -Donna

-Recurring News-

Small Groups at Grace | Your community for:

Prayer
Activity
Learning
Service

Zoom Book Club

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

Next meeting: Monday, January 26, 6:45pm

Discussing: Maisey Dobbs by Jacqueline Winspear

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, January 18 at 9am

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: Joyce Rea or Joe Wethman

Next meeting: Monday, January 19 at 6pm

Learn more about Stephen Ministry here.

Young Adult PALS

Contact Emma Pollard or Hunter Garrison

Meets Tuesdays at 7pm

Growing Thru Grief | Offers year-round support for those who are grieving the loss of a loved one. Meets at St. Paul's Lutheran Church (1200 W. Cornwallis, Durham). All are welcome.

Next Meeting:

January 20 at 4 PM - Finding Meaningfulness in Difficult Times

Presenter - Angelica Robles, Durham County Office of Survivor Care

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.

-Events 1/15 - 1/21 -

1/17- 1pm - Jean Pochert Service

1/18 - See Sunday listing above

1/19- Please note Pastor's Brown Bag Bible Study will not meet this week.

6pm - Stephen Ministry Meeting

1/20 - 4pm - Growing Through Grief - St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 1200 W. Cornwallis

6:30pm - ESL Beginner English Course begins

6:30pm - Grace Advisory Board Meeting (Zoom)

7pm - Young Adult PALS Group

1/21 - 10am - LWML Quilters

Please note there will be no Noon Service this week.

12:45pm - Wednesdays at One - Chocolate Making

3pm - Walltown Ministries Meeting

6:30pm - Choir Rehearsal

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.