E-News

New Class Next Sunday! Lutheranism 101 | This course is a chance both for those new to Lutheran Christianity and those who would welcome a refresher, a chance to explore how Lutherans understand the gospel, approach the scriptures, make use of the sacraments, and live together as the people of God. We’ll meet Sundays at 8:30am downstairs in the Duke Lutheran Center starting next Sunday, January 11.

Discipleship Pathway Step 3 Available Next Sunday | Step 3 of our Discipleship Pathway is Growing in Christ. This step reflects the lifelong work of the Holy Spirit as we grow to be more like Jesus in our thoughts, actions, and hearts. Growing in Christ means deepening our daily relationship with Him, honoring and worshiping Him in both work and play, and inviting others to connect with us in the life of faith.

Taste of Grace Next Sunday After Worship | Are you new to Grace and want to learn what we are all about? Join Pastor Brooks next Sunday, January 11 after Divine Worship for a Taste of Grace, where you can have a bite of lunch, meet some of our leadership, hear the story of Grace, and ask any questions you may have. This is a great opportunity to get a sense of our parish life and vibe.

Did you Donate a Poinsettia this Year? | Poinsettias are available to be picked up from the Fellowship Hall on Sunday morning as you join us for worship so you can continue to enjoy its beauty at home.

A Perfect 10: Taking Down The Christmas Tree | Our Christmas tree has been a beautiful part of the season, and now it’s time to put it away for next year. Join us on January 10 at 10am to help dismantle and store our 10(ish)-foot tree.

If you’re available, we’d love your help as we neatly wrap up the season.

Servant Opportunities

Part of our mission here at Grace is to raise up servants to God's glory, and servants are needed both for Grace's weekly work and through grace out into the world. 

• Sunday Divine Service: Both men and women serve their Grace family and give glory to God each and every Sunday by offering hospitality as ushers, reading the scriptures, serving as communion assistants, or monitoring the livestream feed from our sound board. If you would like to learn more and how you can help, contact Kim at office@gracedurham.org. Training will be provided.
• Servanthood is also a part of being a godly servant, and both our Discipleship and Servanthood Boards are seeking persons to be a part of their work. If you are interested in learning more about either of these boards, feel free to contact either Pastor Brooks, Deaconess Anna, or congregational president, Bev Hudgins.

Facilities Update and Thanks | Thank you to Walt and Dede for cleaning and repainting the fellowship hall railing, and to Mike, Walt, Dede, and Kathy for installing the two new parking lot signs!

The large corner sign is still awaiting parts and is planned for installation later in January. When it’s ready, we’ll need eight strong helpers to assist with installation. If you’re interested, please call, text, or email Kathy Peterson at resource@gracedurham.org or (919) 641-8267. Thank you for all your help and support as we begin 2026.

Wednesdays at One: Chocolate Making | 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.

January Food for Faith Lunch & Learn | Join Rabbi Posner and guest clergy and congregants from diverse faith communities for meaningful conversations and fresh perspectives on Thursday, January 8 at 12pm at Beth El Synogugue (1004 Watts St). Bring your own vegetarian bagged lunch!

Marie Hammond Kenya Update | Click here to read Marie Hammond's latest updates from Kenya from December 27.

-Recurring News-

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

Sunday, January 18 at 9am

Home-Centered PALS - Contact: Barb Tippin

Wednesday, January 14 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 5 at 6:30pm

Learn more about Stephen Ministry here.

Young Adult PALS - Contact Emma Pollard or Hunter Garrison

Meets Tuesdays at 7pm

-Events 1/1 - 1/7 -

1/1 - Church Office Closed for New Year's Day

1/4 - See Sunday listing above

1/5- 11:30am - Pastor's Brown Bag Bible Study

6:30pm - Stephen Ministry Meeting

6:45pm - Zoom Book Club

1/6 - 4pm - Growing Through Grief - St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 1200 W. Cornwallis

7pm - Young Adult PALS Group

1/7 - 10am - LWML Quilters

12pm - Noon Prayer Service

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.

January Birthdays, Baptism Birthdays and Anniversaries

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