E-News

Last Sunday during our worship service, we celebrated two significant milestones in the life of our congregation. | We joyfully welcomed and installed our newly elected church officers, Dan Thomas (congregational representative), Leonard Hango (Vice President), and Dave Dickmander (President), giving thanks for their willingness to serve and lead our church family.

We also recognized and celebrated the ministry of the Racial Reconciliation Group as we said farewell to a ministry whose purpose was to create a safe and respectful space for informed discussion of racial issues and to inspire Christ-centered action.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Dan, Dave, Leonard, Geoff, Diane, Jane, Elmo, Donna W., Joyce, Richard, and all who participated over the years. Thank you for opening your hearts and minds, listening with compassion, and helping our congregation grow in understanding, grace, and love for one another. May God continue to guide us as we seek to be instruments of His peace and reconciliation in our community.

Megan Huggins

April 5, 1982 - June 3, 2026

Megan D. Huggins, of Durham, North Carolina, passed away unexpectedly on June 3, 2026. She was 44 years old.

Megan was born on April 5, 1982, to Jerry and Kae Huggins in the Panama Canal Zone. To read the full obituary please click here.

Hymn Sing | Our congregation is hosting a Hymn Sing during our service on July 19! Help us revive this cherished tradition with your suggestions: follow the link here to submit your favorite hymns!

Puerto Rico Presentation and Lunch | Join the short-term mission team that went to Puerto Rico on July 12th after worship for an authentic Puerto Rican meal! During lunch, the team will present about their experience in Puerto Rico and the LCMS mission there.

A Note from Deaconess Anna | As a Deaconess in the LCMS I have the opportunity to be a part of the Concordia Deaconess Conference (CDC). This group provides community, continuing education, and spiritual care for LCMS Deaconesses. Each year they host an annual gathering. Through Grace's support, I was blessed to attend this gathering in June. I am beyond grateful, not only for the continuing education offered there, but also getting to gather in fellowship and worship alongside my sister deaconesses. 

Dog Day at Grace | July’s Intentional Invite is Dog Day at Grace on July 18th from 9-11am. Come out to learn about various businesses and resources in the community for your four-legged best friend! You’re even invited to bring your dog along for this open house-style event! If you are interested in helping prepare or serving at this event please let Deac. Anna know!

Mark Your Calendar for the Special Voters Assembly August 2 | Thank you to the Grace House Task Force for presenting your findings throughout the month of June! A voters meeting to make the final decision on how to use the Grace House going forward has been set for August 2nd following worship. Please mark your calendars! In the meantime you are encouraged to remain in prayer throughout this time of discernment. 

From the Treasurer | Durham mail delivery service continues to be slow. If you mail in your offering, and suspect the check has been lost, help our church avoid unnecessary fees and accounting errors by contacting the church office directly at 919-682-6030 to share your original check number.  

If you are planning to cancel a check, here are a few suggestions:

• Wait 2 Months: Checks can show up as much as 6 weeks late. The church suggests waiting at least 2 months before canceling and re-issuing.
• Initiate a Stop Payment: If it has been over 2 months, contact your bank to issue a stop payment on the specific check number. Keep in mind that banks typically charge a stop payment fee.
• Alternative Giving: To avoid using mail in the future, you may use electronic giving thru Vanco for recurring or one-time offerings. You may contact the Treasurer 919-682-6030 if you need assistance to set this up. Of note: Vanco does not charge a fee for direct withdrawal from a checking account. Vanco does charge a fee for credit card use as follows: 2.75% of the donation made using Master Card or Visa and 4.00% of the donation made using American Express. Contact the Treasurer if any questions.

-Small Groups-

Choir: Contact: Erin Hodge

Contact Erin for rehearsal dates and times.

Family Pals

Contact: Donna Walston

Meets Sunday, May 17 at 9am

Farmers Market

Contact: Dan Heuser

Next Market: June 13 from 1pm-4pm

Home-Centered Ministry

Contact: Barb Tippin

Learn more about the H-C PALS Group here.

LWML Quilting

Contact: Kathy Pittman

Meets Wednesdays at 10am

Stephen Ministry

Contact: Barb Tippin or Joe Wethman

Learn more about Stephen Ministry here.

Young Adults

Contact Emma Pollard or Hunter Garrison

Sundays at 3pm

Zoom Book Club

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

Next meeting: July 7 at 6:30pm

Big Lies in a Small Town by Diane Chamberlain

Upcoming

August: The Correspondent by Virginia Evans

September: Theo of Golden by Allen Levi

-Upcoming Events-

6/27 - 10am - Choir Camp

6/28 - See Sunday listing above

6/29 - 11:30am - Brown Bag Lunch Study

6/30 - 4pm - Growing Through Grief - St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 1200 W. Cornwallis

7pm - English Second Language Class

7/1 - 10am - LWML Quilting

12pm - Noon Prayer Service with Holy Communion

7/3 - Church Office Closed for Independence Day



7/11 - 1-4pm - Farmers Market in Grace Parking Lot

Click here for the church calendar.

Click on the image above for more information.

-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.

June Baptisms, Birthdays, and Anniversaries

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