E-News

Thursday, July 31, 2025

What's Up?

Sunday, August 3rd

Eighth Sunday after Pentecost

Preaching: Pastor David Brooks / Organist: Erin Hodge

Scheduled to Serve

8:30 - 9:30 AM

Pastor's Class: Going in Faith

9:30 AM

Fellowship Time

10:10 AM - Divine Worship

Click here to download the worship folder
Baptism of Adam Casteel

-The Latest News-

New Discussion Group Starts Next Sunday | The Sunday Morning Discussion Group decided that our next study topic will be Luther's Large Catechism. Join us on August 10th downstairs in the Bethlehem Resource Center at 9am.

Grace Advisory Board Recap | The Grace Advisory Board met on July 16th. Key updates include: the adult baptism of Kate Grabowski on July 20th, decommissioning hymnals, and the conclusion of the Go & Make Campaign on September 30th. We’re awaiting city approval for signage permits. The Discipleship/Servant Board scheduled three Wednesday at One presentations: August 27th on Preventing Scams and Fraud, and September 17th and October 15th on computers and technology. We’re also working to finalize a September date for the commissioning and installation of DCO Anna Voelker.

Action items from the meeting included planning this year’s annual giving conversation, referring an accounting audit request to the Finance Committee, and creating a shared drive for personnel and policy documents.

Office Renovations - What's Next? |

August 8th, 9th, and afternoon of Sunday the 10th- We’ll be patching, priming and painting Pastor’s office. Please contact Kathy Peterson (call 919-641-8267 or email resource@gracelutheranchurch.net) if you can help even just a few hours. We need 2-4 helpers each day. Kathy will be there to coordinate the work. We'll provide the tools- you provide your best painting clothes.

Week of August 18th- New flooring will be installed for Pastor’s and Kim’s office and copy room (outside contractor). After floors are done, new furniture for Pastor’s office will need to be assembled and moved into his office. Opportunity dates are dependent on furniture delivery. 3-6 hours for 4 helpers.

Week of August 25th- We'll reset Pastor’s office and deep clean to be sure all books, etc., are dust free. Opportunity dates dependent on volunteer availability. 2 hours max for 2-3 helpers.

August Farmers Market | The next Grace Community Farmers Market is Saturday, August 9th from 1-4pm. Our Farmers Market is a great place to get fresh produce, meats, baked goods, and homemade crafts. You can also use our market as an opportunity to invite a friend or co-worker out for lunch and experience the community that supports our market. Also, be sure to stop by at our Mini Market located in the downstairs kitchen after worship on Sunday, August 10th.

Click here if you'd like to help out at the market!

ALCM Free Concert August 7 | All are welcome to attend the VOCES8 concert at Duke Chapel on Thursday, August 7, at 7:30pm. Seating will be on a first come, first served basis. A freewill offering will be gathered to help support the work of Association of Lutheran Church Musicians (ALCM). VOCES8 is a Grammy-nominated British vocal ensemble who inspire people through music and share the joy of singing. Click here for more information.

Kenya Update from Marie Hammond | Click here to read Marie Hammond's latest update from Kenya. This month’s newsletter shares daily challenges at the Peace Corps site—like limited water and power, heavy rains, and difficulties in teaching—and the practical solutions used to navigate them. It also includes an update on the Lirhanda School book project, which has raised over a third of its goal, and more information on how to donate.

-Recurring News-

Small Groups at Grace | Your community for:

Prayer
Activity
Learning
Service

Zoom Book Club - Next meeting Monday, August 4th at 7pm on The Alice Network by Kate Quinn. Contact Donna Gesell for the Zoom link

Future books:

Sept: Double Blind by Edward St. Aubyn

Oct: Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q. Sutanto

Family Pals- Next meeting Sunday, August 17th at 9am.

Home-Centered Pals - Contact: Barb Tippin

Next meeting Wednesday, August 20th at 12:45pm.

Learn more about the H-C PALS Group here.

Stephen Ministry - Next meeting Monday, August 11th at 6 PM. - Contact: Joyce Rea or Joe Wethman

Learn more about Stephen Ministry here.

BOLT (Breakfast or Lunch Together)

Date TBD

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:

August 5th at 4 PM - There is a Field - I'll Meet You There

Presenter - Micah Hardy-Royal, Transitions LifeCare Chaplain

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. To see the current GtG schedule click here.

-Events 7/31 - 8/7-

8/3 - See Sunday listing above

8/4 - 11:30 AM - Pastor's Brown Bag Bible Study

7pm - Book Club on The Alice Network by Kate Quinn (Zoom)

8/5 - 4 PM - Growing Through Grief - St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 1200 W. Cornwallis

8/6 - 10AM - LWML Quilters

8/7 - Pastor's Sabbatical Begins

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 Tuesday prior to the Thursday mailing. If your group meeting time on Sunday has changed with the new Worship schedule, please let the office know. This form may also be used to submit articles.