E-News

Demo & Dumpster Day |  Are you free this Saturday, July 19th, and enjoy a good project? Join us as we prepare to give Pastor Brooks’ office a fresh start. We'll meet in the downstairs kitchen at 10am before moving upstairs to remove old cabinets and clear things out to make room for exciting updates. A big dumpster will be on site, and we’d love to have you join the crew in some light demolition and "reverse dumpster diving." These improvements are made possible through the Go & Make Fund. Thank you to all who have supported the mission and ministry of Grace in this very tangible way. Questions? Contact Kathy Peterson or Dede Crosmer.

Study of the Large Catechism |  The Sunday Morning Discussion Group decided that our next study topic will be Luther's Large Catechism. Please make plans to join us on August 10th in the downstairs library at 9am. More details to come.

New Reimbursement Forms | We’ve reworked our reimbursement forms to make them clearer and easier to use. The new layout better matches our budget categories, helping everything run more smoothly. Please note: All forms must now include a Grace Advisory Board or Parish Administrator signature before submission.

Copies are available outside of the church office door. Questions? Contact Walt at treasurer@gracedurham.org.

Wednesdays at One Returns | Mark your calendars for three informative and interactive events!

August 27– A representative from the North Carolina Department of Justice – Attorney General’s Office will join us to discuss how to protect yourself from scams and fraud. Don’t miss this important and timely conversation.

September 17 – Our computer guru, Chip, will be with us to hear your questions about computer use and technology. Start compiling your list—he’s all ears.

October 15 – Chip returns for a hands-on session, offering practical learning based on the questions and topics gathered in September.

Potluck lunch begins at 12pm, and all speakers start at 1pm. Questions? Contact Chris Wethman or Laura Michael.

Baseball Equipment for Our Missionary | Do you have baseball gear your kids have outgrown? We are collecting gently used baseball equipment to send to the Maita Family, our missionary in Puerto Rico. The equipment will be used to support their youth ministry and help build community through sports. If you have gloves, cleats, balls, or any other baseball gear to donate, please get in touch with Tom McGill, Robert McElfatrick, or the church office.

Helping Hands Wanted for John Grunke’s Estate Sale | As many of you know, John Grunke — who was raised in this church family from birth — passed away in March of this year. As the executor of his estate, I am entrusted with the responsibility of managing and selling his possessions.

I am putting together a team of volunteers to help inventory, price, and prepare the contents of his home for an estate sale. While the exact date is still to be determined, I am targeting the end of August.

All proceeds from this sale will be donated to Grace Lutheran Church.

If you would like to help with this special project, please reach out to me. You can call, text, or email at 919-815-3222 or sally.sump@gmail.com. ~Sally Sump

Farmers 'Mini' Market and Thank You |  A big shoutout to our amazing volunteers who braved the heat on Saturday to help make another Farmers Market a success! Your dedication and hard work are truly appreciated. Thank you, and God bless you: Joyce, Emma, Hunter, Bev, Dan, Jane, Kent, Lenard, Angel, Donna, Elizabeth, and Pastor Brooks!

Farmers ‘Mini’ Market | On Sunday, we set up a smaller version of the market in the kitchen to give folks a chance to shop for fresh farm produce in a cool, climate-controlled space. Thank you to everyone who made a purchase—your support helps sustain the Farmers Market and our mission to serve food-insecure families.

A Successful Blood Drive | A heartfelt thank you to everyone who donated blood and supported the Red Cross Blood Drive here at Grace on July 16. We’re grateful to report that we collected 11 lifesaving donations! A special shoutout to our amazing volunteers: Dede, Denese, Janet and Kathy. Your time and service helped make the day run smoothly. We are so grateful for your support.

-Recurring News-

July Choir Camp

Zoom Book Club - Contact Donna Gesell for the Zoom link

Future books:

Aug: The Alice Network by Kate Quinn

Sept: Double Blind by Edward St. Aubyn

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

Family Pals- Meeting this Sunday, July 20th 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, July 21st at 6 PM. - Contact: Joyce Rea or Joe Wethman

Learn more about Stephen Ministry here.

BOLT (Breakfast or Lunch Together)

Date TBD

7/19 - 10AM- Demo and Dumpster Day

7/20 - See Sunday listing above

7/21 - 11:30 AM - Brown Bag Bible Study

6 PM - Stephen Ministry Meeting

7/22 - 4 PM - Growing Through Grief - St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 1200 W. Cornwallis

7/23 - 10AM - LWML Quilters

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.

July Birthdays, Baptism Birthdays and Anniversaries