As we enter November and our nights grow longer, we are preparing to celebrate All Saints' Day at Grace.
On the evening prior to All Saints' Day, people all over the world will light candles, remembering those “who have been lights of the world in every generation.” Saints are people whose lives refract God’s light in startling, colorful ways. The lives of ordinary and extraordinary saints illumine our steps, and they spur us on to love others with generosity and joy.
Join us at Grace Church as we celebrate All Saints' Day on November 4. We will remember all who have died, giving thanks for those who’ve shown us glimpses of God’s image in their curiosity, gentleness, creativity, humor, hope, and faithfulness.
In the coming week, please bring to Grace photos of those you’ve loved and lost. We will set those photos on and around the altar as we give thanks for the gift it is to live surrounded by such a “great cloud of witnesses.”
In God’s peace, -Wren
ANNUAL GIVING
Grace again and again shifts my focus from “me" to “we." With the fellowship of Grace as fertilizer, unseen roots grow deep in a soil of united love, and visible branches spread as a canopy to shelter many. ~Pegge Ashcroft
As of Thursday, October 25 we've raised $318,243. That's 54% of our $592,000 goal. Thank you so much for your generosity!
And now, let's go even deeper. Here's how you can join Pegge and contribute to Grace's future, today:
People of all ages, it’s time to get your autumn on! You are invited to Grace’s first annual Jack O’Lantern Jam this Sunday evening. We’ll have pumpkin carving, a potluck supper, groovy music, dancing, and more fun than you can shake a corn stalk at.
Please RSVP here so we know how many pumpkins to procure. You'll also find complete event details on our RSVP page along with a list of suggested potluck items and small donation ideas.
Newcomers Gathering
When & Where: Sunday, November 4 after the 9:30 am service in the Living Room (last room on the left, past the children's classrooms)
Are you new to Grace? Please join Anne Kundtz, Rachel Yobs, and Wren Blessing to whet your curiosity about all things Grace.
In this informal meeting, we will cover various ministry areas and the structure that is unique to Grace. Wren will take you on a brief tour of the building and grounds. This is the perfect opportunity to have your questions answered and to discover where you might want to get involved.
Last week
Our children have been doing a beautiful job with our Thanksgiving altar in our Sunday School room. Did you know that this altar was the original altar at Grace? Every week, our kids are encouraged to bring items to place on the altar that they would like to thank God for.
Last week, we enjoyed gorgeous offerings from the garden at Grace.
This week
We are beginning to prepare for All Saints Day. Even as we learn about God promising great things to Abram and Sarai, we are beginning to think about the many imperfect, brave servants of God who walked this earth before us and walk with us now.
We are also beginning to think about how we can see, with God’s eyes, the needy and vulnerable among us, as we learn about the good work of KIAC (Kitsap Immigrant Assistance Program), one of Grace's 2018 Outreach grant recipients. Please ask your kids how we can all help to actively love our neighbors.
Coming up
Are you wondering whether or not to come to the Jack O'Lantern Jam on Sunday evening? Perhaps it would be helpful to know that it is going to be extremely FUN, FUN, FUN.
The evening is for ALL ages, not just kids; you don’t have to carve a pumpkin; there will be music and yummy food; and costumes are OPTIONAL.
Most of all, it will be low-key way to connect with others. We have plenty of space and plenty of pumpkins, so invite your friends and family!
Where & When: 4:30-5:30 pm Thursdays in the Grace music room
Calling all PreK through 4th graders! Join us for a time of games, singing, instrument playing, and snacks every Thursday afternoon at Grace. This fall, we will be working on a song for Advent and having tons of fun together.
Please contact Wendi Olinger at wolinger@gmail.com with any questions. Hope to see you there.
GRACE YOUTH
All Souls' Day Campfire Celebration
When & Where: 6-8 pm Thursday, November 1 at Fay Bainbridge Park
On November 1, youth will gather at Fay Bainbridge Park where we'll play outdoor games, enjoy pizza, and celebrate All Souls' Day.
Youth in grades 6-12 are welcome. Wear warm clothes, bring a flashlight or headlamp, and contact Wren with questions.
ADULT FAITH FORMATION
Ecclesiastes & Dessert
When & Where: 7 pm on two Tuesdays, November 6 & 20, at Grace
"Meaningless! Meaningless!" says the Teacher. "Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless!" The writer of Ecclesiastes doesn't mince words but instead goes on to catalog everything that is devoid of meaning – a rather exhaustive list that may leave you stunned (and bummed out).
So why is this book in the Bible? Why read it now, when it feels like there's already enough bad news in the world? Is there a pivot point of hope?
Join Martin Cockroft to discuss this puzzling book (with the help of a few modern writers). If you wish, bring a dessert to share, for "there is nothing better for a man under the sun than to eat and drink and be merry" (Ecclesiastes 8:15).
Super Suppers is tonight –
A wonderful way to get connected
When & Where: 3 p.m. Friday, October 28 at Eagle Harbor Congregational Church, Bainbridge Island
If you're looking for a wonderful volunteer opportunity, the next Grace Super Suppers will be happening today, Friday, October 26. We prepare and serve dinner at Eagle Harbor Congregational Church, dinner is free of charge, and everyone is welcome to be our guest.
This is such a special way to connect with our community inside and outside of Grace.
P.S. There is no commitment for a regular sign-up. We have a planning meeting each January, and you can participate on any Friday you're able.
Mom's Morning Retreat Annual Fabric Drive Blanket and scarf construction on November 15
On November 15, Mom's Morning Retreat will pause from our regular programming to make blankets and scarves for local children entering foster care, most of whom have no possessions except the clothes on their backs. We are providing a gift of comfort and dignity.
We are seeking fabric donations!
One yard of cotton flannel (a print and a solid together) makes a blanket; two yards of a heavy-weight plaid cotton flannel makes three scarves for teens.
You can leave fabric in the marked basket at Grace or join us from 9:30-11 am November 15 to help sew. Bring a portable sewing machine, iron, sharp scissors, or simply yourself. We'd love to meet you. For more info, contact Jenny Lange, langejj@msn.com.
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~Mom's Morning Retreat is part of Bainbridge Island's One Call For All campaign. Look for your red envelope to help women and families. Thanks for your support!~
THE GALLERY AT GRACE
Deborah Milton: The Many Faces of Gaia November/December 2018
The Gallery at Grace welcomes Deborah Milton this winter with a luminous exhibition titled The Many Faces of Gaia. The show opens November 4, with an artist's reception on Sunday, November 11 after the 9:30 service.
Deborah writes and paints to inspire humans to become a restorative species that nurtures the living system rather than destroying it.
“Gaia, for me, is synonymous with Creator, God, the Great Mystery, the ineffable Source, so I paint to articulate my soul’s longing to belong to a species who lives in awe and gratitude for this miracle called life.”
Deborah Milton, Beneficence, 2018.
GRACE COMMUNICATIONS
Facebook update
Insert "Sigh" emoji. Facebook declined our request to merge our old profile and inactive page with our current, official page. Since we remain committed to having a single presence on Facebook, we're on to Plan B and will begin the process of deactivating the old profile and page.
So, heads up that "Church Grace" and "Church Grace Bainbridge Island" will go away the Monday after Thanksgiving. We'll provide ongoing reminders between now and then.
When & Where: 6:30 pm Thursday, November 1 at the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints, 8677 Madison Avenue NE., Bainbridge Island
A light dinner will be served by the host congregation at 6:30 pm with the meeting to follow at 7 pm. All are welcome, especially representatives of faith groups from the area.
Eve Palay of Bainbridge Pride and Kitsap Pride organizations will share information about the groups’ second annual Transgender Day of Awareness, honoring the memory of those whose lives were lost in acts of anti-transgender violence and discrimination. This year's remembrance will be held at 4 pm Sunday, November 18 at Bainbridge Island Museum of Art.
