E-News

Thank you from Frank Oruwari | Last Sunday, members of the Grace Church family gathered to wish Frank Oruwari Godspeed as he moves to Africa.

"We thank God for His faithfulness and grace upon us. I thank the congregation for their love and prayers. I am grateful and humbled by your love." -Frank

Frank has been a faithful and joyful presence in our congregation, and we give thanks to God for his time among us.

Voters' Meeting Sunday, November 16 | Packets for the Voters' Assembly meeting for November 16 are available in the Narthex or online here. The main agenda item is the adoption of the Ministry Spending Plan (budget) for 2026.

Reminders:

• According to Grace's By-Laws, voting membership is to be renewed annually. Commitment cards will be available this Sunday and can be returned prior to November's meeting via the basket by the printed E-newsletters (across from the Welcome Center in the narthex) or to the GAB Secretary, Dede Crosmer. You may also fill out your Commitment Card online here.
• Proxy voting shall be allowed for extenuating circumstances that prevent attendance. Such proxies are to state the reason for non-attendance and should be signed and submitted to the Secretary or Church Office 72 hours prior to the Voters' Assembly. Proxy forms are available in the narthex or may be filled out online here.

Chili Cookoff | Grab your spoons and get ready for Grace’s first ever chili cookoff on Saturday, November 15 at 5:30pm. Please sign up on the bulletin board above the water fountains or email Deaconess Anna if you plan to bring chili. All are welcome- we'll need taste testers, too!

"Surviving the Holidays" - November Wednesdays at One | Save the date for our November Wednesdays at One on November 19 with lunch at 12:30pm, followed by the session at 1pm. Presented by our own Beverly Hudgins, "Surviving the Holidays" provides support and practical tips for facing holiday challenges after loss. Click here to learn more about the program. Click here to RSVP.

Servant Appreciation Reception | Join us in the Fellowship Hall on Sunday, November 23, following worship for a special time as we show our appreciation for our wonderful church community. Your generosity in sharing your gifts, time, and talents continues to be a reflection of God’s love at work among us. Each act of service strengthens our fellowship and helps our mission thrive. Your dedication and faithfulness remind us that the Church is truly the body of Christ, with many members working together in unity and love.

The Story is the Gift: Preparing for Jesus | Plan to be a part of Grace's Advent observances as we prepare for the coming of the Savior. Starting December 3, Grace will come together for a simple supper and Evening Prayer. Each Wednesday until Christmas Eve, Pastor Brooks will lead us in a reflection on three important stories that look to the promised Messiah:

• Ruth: What does it mean to have a redeemer?
• Elizabeth: What does it mean to have hope?
• Mary: What does it mean to have a song?

Mark your calendars and don't miss out, for The Story is the Gift!

Christmas Carols and Grace Christmas Market | We are excited to announce the 2nd Annual Grace Christmas Market, organized by the Grace Community Farmers Market. This year's event is happening on Saturday, December 13, from 1-4pm. Last year, Erin and the choir filled the Grace House lot with Christmas cheer, and this year it's our intention to bring the music inside! Erin will be at the piano in the sanctuary, joined by the choir and anyone else that would like to sing along. Do you have a favorite Christmas Carol you'd like to sing that day? Please send your requests to Erin Hodge, music@gracedurham.org or the office, office@gracedurham.org.

Ministry of the Month: Home-Centered Care PALS | Home-Centered PALS visit, call, and pray for folks who are home-centered and often unable to attend church. One of our members shared that "being in the H-C PALS group has given me blessings, some unexpected. One of the folks I have served shared with me, 'I appreciate so much the opportunity to partake of communion in my home since I cannot get to church. The chance to do this around the communion table at church with fellow members of the community of Christ is an activity that I miss.'” If you feel called to help serve in this way, please contact Barb Tippin at barbaratippin@yahoo.com.

Interfaith Lunch & Learn Series | Our interfaith partners at Beth El Synagogue (1004 Watts Street) are hosting a monthly Lunch & Learn series to help bring people of all faiths together. Bring a vegetarian bagged lunch and an open heart & mind on Thursday, November 13, at 12pm as Bishop Ronald L. Godbee from The River Church in Durham discusses how Life is a Celebration of the Soul. Questions? Contact info@betheldurham.org or 919-682-1238.

-Recurring News-

Zoom Book Club - Contact Donna Gesell for more information.

Future books:

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

Family PALS- Contact: Donna Walston

Next meeting: Sunday, November 16 at 9am.

Home-Centered PALS - Contact: Barb Tippin

Next meeting: Wednesday, November 12 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, November 17 at 6 PM.

Learn more about Stephen Ministry here.

Young Adult PALS - Contact Emma Pollard or Hunter Garrison

Meets Tuesdays at 7pm

-Events 11/6 - 11/12 -

11/9 - See Sunday listing above

11/10 - 11:30 AM - Pastor's Brown Bag Bible Study

11/11 - 4 PM - Growing Through Grief - St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 1200 W. Cornwallis

7 PM - Young Adult PALS Group

11/12 - 10 AM - LWML Quilters

12 PM - Noon Prayer Service

12:45 PM - Home-Centered PALS Meeting

6:30 PM - Choir Rehearsal

Click here for the church calendar.

- Important Dates November and Beyond -

11/15 - 5:30 PM - Chili Cookoff

11/16 - 11:30 AM - Voters' Meeting

11/19 - 12:30 PM - Surviving the Holidays - Wednesdays at One

11/23 - Servant Appreciation Sunday

11/27 & 28 - Thanksgiving Holiday, Church Office Closed

11/29 - 10 AM - Christmas Oratorio Rehearsal

12/3, 10, 17 - 6 PM - Simple Suppers and 7 PM - Advent Evening Prayer

12/6 - 10 AM - Hanging of the Greens

12/13 - 1 PM - 4 PM - Grace Christmas Market

12/24 - 5:30 PM - Christmas Eve Service

-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.

November Birthdays, Baptism Birthdays and Anniversaries

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