E-News

Thursday, December 4, 2025

What's Up?

Sunday, December 7

Second Sunday of Advent

Preaching: Pastor David Brooks/ Organist: Erin Hodge

Scheduled to Serve

8:30 AM

Study of Isaiah (Fellowship Hall)

9:00 AM

Sunday Discussion Group on Luther's Large Catechism (Bethlehem Resource Center)

9:30 AM

Fellowship Time

10:10 AM - Divine Worship

C lick here to download the worship folder

5:30 PM

Duke Lutherans Prayer and Fellowship Dinner (Duke Lutherans Center)

-The Latest News-

Last Day to Purchase Poinsettias | The deadline to purchase Christmas poinsettias in honor or memory of a loved one is this Monday, December 8. Each poinsettia is $18, and forms will be available in the bulletin this Sunday. You may also email the church office at office@gracedurham.org to place your order. Dedications will be included in the Christmas Eve bulletin.

Blood Drive December 15 | We are hosting a Red Cross Holiday Blood Drive on Monday, December 15, from 11am - 4pm. Your donation can help save lives during a time of year when the need is especially great. All donors will receive a $15 Amazon gift card by email as a thank-you for participating. We encourage you to sign up for an appointment to ensure a smooth donation experience. Click here to sign up, or contact the church office if you need assistance registering. Thank you for considering this vital act of care for our community.

Join Us for Next Week's Christmas Market | We are excited to host our 2nd Annual Christmas Farmers Market on Saturday, December 13, from 1-4pm and we would love to have you be part of it! There are several meaningful ways to take part: greeting, assisting guests, offering a ride on the golf cart, setting up, cleaning up, and of course, stopping by to pick up some great fresh produce and hand crafted holiday gifts from local farmers and vendors. Click here if you are interested in helping out that day, and we'll see you December 13th!

Christmas Market Caroling | Do you have a favorite Christmas Carol? Erin and our choir will play music and sing some of your favorite Christmas Carols during the Farmer's Market on December 13. You are also invited to join us for caroling- the more, the merrier!

Please send your requests by this Sunday, December 7, to Erin (music@gracedurham.org) or call the office at 919-682-6030 to leave her a message.

Interfaith Lunch & Learn Series with Pastor Brooks | Our interfaith partners at Beth El Synagogue (1004 Watts Street) are hosting a monthly Lunch & Learn series designed to bring people of all faiths together for conversation, curiosity, and deeper understanding.

Bring a vegetarian bagged lunch and join the next session on Thursday, December 11, at 12pm as Pastor Brooks leads the discussion. Questions? Contact info@betheldurham.org or 919-682-1238.

Mission Trip Update | The Office of International Mission and missionaries in Puerto Rico have both approved the dates of May 9-16, 2026 for Grace to go on a short term mission trip! Before we move forward with the next steps, we need a few more people who are able to commit to attending the trip. If you are interested please reach out to Deaconess Anna at dco.anna.voelker@gracedurham.org.

Share Your Story | As the Go & Make campaign wraps up this month, we'd love to share your story of what Go & Make has meant to you. From refreshing our sanctuary, refurbishing the downstairs, improving streaming capabilities, welcoming Deaconess Anna into her new role, and much more, the campaign has helped us more boldly “go and make disciples.”

Please reach out to Pastor Brooks at pr.dave.brooks@gracelutheranchurch.net to include in the wrap-up report in 2026.

New Advent Wreath | As you may have noticed last Sunday, Grace has a new Advent wreath! With all the beautiful enhancements made in and around the church over the past few years, the Advent wreath has been updated as a gift to the church. The candles on the new wreath are true wax, rather than the liquid-paraffin–filled cylinders used previously, which allows us to see the passage of time throughout the Advent season. As the candles are lit each week and gradually grow shorter, they offer a meaningful visual reminder of the season’s progression.

Ministry of the Month: Grace Lutheran Church Choir | This month, we joyfully highlight the Grace Choir- more than a group of singers; it is a community of people who love the Lord and desire to serve through music. Rehearsals are filled with prayer, laughter, and shared purpose as members prepare music for Sunday services, festival days, and special events throughout the year- such as the upcoming Christmas Market Caroling! If you enjoy singing or feel called to participate in musical worship, please contact Erin at music@gracedurham.org.

Marie Hammond Update from Kenya | Click here for the latest update from Marie Hammond, serving with the Peace Corps in Kenya.

-Recurring News-

Small Groups at Grace | Your community for:

Prayer
Activity
Learning
Service

Zoom Book Club - Contact Donna Gesell for more information.

Next meeting: Monday, January 5 at 6:45pm.

Upcoming Books:

January: Maisey Dobbs by Jacqueline Winspear

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

Next meeting: Sunday, December 21 at 9am.

Home-Centered PALS - Contact: Barb Tippin

Learn more about the H-C PALS Group here.

Racial Reconciliation - Contact: Geoff Heintzelman

Stephen Ministry - Contact: Joyce Rea or Joe Wethman

Next meeting: January 5 at 6:30pm.

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:

December 9 at 4 PM - The Mourner's Bill of Rights: How It's Helping to Ease My Journey

Presenter - Cora Harrison

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 12/4 - 12/10 -

12/4 - 10 AM - Advent Women's Prayer Group (also meets Dec. 11 and 18)

6:30 PM - 'Women of the Bible' Discussion Group. Contact contact Barbara or Amy for the Zoom link. (also meets Dec. 11 and 18)

12/7 - See Sunday listing above

12/8 - 11:30 AM - Pastor's Brown Bag Bible Study

12/9 - 4 PM - Growing Through Grief - St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 1200 W. Cornwallis

7 PM - Young Adult PALS Group

12/10 - 10 AM - LWML Quilters

12 PM - Noon Prayer Service

6:15 PM - Simple Supper

7 PM - Advent Service "The Story is the Gift"

Click here for the church calendar.

- Important Upcoming Dates -

12/13 - 9 AM - Hanging of the Greens

1 PM - 4 PM - Grace Christmas Market

12/15 - 11AM - 4 PM - Red Cross Blood Drive

12/20 - 9:30 AM - Bethlehem Breakfast for Families

12/24 - 12 PM - Christmas Eve Noon Service

5:30 PM - Christmas Eve Evening Service

12/27 - 7 PM - "A Christmas Carol" with Brendan White

-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.