The Gallery at Grace welcomes Poulsbo-based artist and educator Leigh Knowles Metteer for an exhibition of luminous drawings and prints exploring the grand and intimate wonders of nature and spirituality. Join us for an artist's reception this Sunday after the 9:30 am liturgy. The show will run through October.
Celebrating Kossoye’s Ministry in Ethiopia Sunday, September 8
This Sunday, Beulah Downing and Dennis Carlson will share some of their personal experiences in Ethiopia beginning in 1963 to the present, at the 8 and 9:30 am liturgies. Their activities have ranged from teaching college students to programs for orphans and more recently, the spread of household nutrition gardening to ten Ethiopian Universities. Several of these programs have been supported by the Grace community. Photos will be shown in Walker Hall between and after services. Click here to find out more about The Kossoye Development Program.
OUTREACH
Mom's Morning Retreat September 19, 9:30-11 am
Mom's Morning Retreat returns to Grace! Women from throughout the local community will connect with one another and replenish while exploring topics with speaker Bev Gaines. Membership fee includes childcare, coffee, brunch, and activities. Moms will find a variety of backgrounds and beliefs and a place to simply be appreciated and welcomed. We meet the first, second, and third Thursday mornings of each month at Grace.
If you're traveling this summer, please consider grabbing a few small toiletries from your hotel rooms. At our October Service Sunday, we'll use them to assemble hygiene kits for NK Fishline.
FAITH FORMATION
Explore with Us Through Ignatian Discernment
Series continues September 12, 6:30 pm
In this second of two sessions, Russell Powell, Grace member and Professor of Law at Seattle University, will lead us as we consider the historical development of Ignatian discernment. Discussion will then move to practical application and exercises rooted in Jesuit spirituality, which have been adapted within a wide range of faith communities.
Mark your calendars for the following programs, and keep an eye out for more details. Questions? Email Kim Cockroft, Minister for Faith Formation, kim@gracehere.org.
Lectio Divina | 4 pm September 8
Explore the experience of Scripture though this ancient practice.
Loving Our Children Well | 7 pm September 26 Parents, join a community of other parents as we discuss the very real joys and challenges of loving our children well. Please contact Kim by September 20 if you need childcare.
New Member Gathering | 5-7 pm September 29 Please join us for a soup supper and welcome by Rector Wren Blessing. This is a wonderful opportunity to get to know others and learn more about the Grace community. We'll enjoy a light supper, tour Grace, and share stories with each other. Children are welcome.
Please RSVP by email or phone: Mairead Shutt, 206-399-3627, and let Mairead know if you have any questions.
CHILDREN & FAMILIES
Calling Grace Classroom Friends!
This fall, we invite you to join us in friendship with our youngest Grace members. All that is required is an open heart, for one hour, on one Sunday. You don’t have to prep a lesson, control a crowd, or play an instrument. All you have to do is show up and join one of our experienced teachers in a joyful time of community – a time of friendship, ritual, and learning.
"While I’ve only been in the classroom a couple of times as part of Earth and Spirit preparing some programs, something that stands out to me in being with children is that it calls me into being fully present. I can’t be planning something else in my brain if there is an active child in front of me. I’m not good at this yet, but I recognize the gift that flows both ways in this practice of presence, and with presence comes surprise." –Marcy Lagerloef, Classroom Friend
To enter into this ministry for just an hour or more next year, email kim@gracehere.org.
YOUTH
Acolyte Training and Lunch
Sunday, September 8, 11:15 am - 12:30 pm
Fourth graders and older, please join Wren for a training for new and experienced acolytes. We’ll share lunch and play a round or two of gaga ball before we depart. Let us know if you plan to participate!
Ronda Broatch photo.
Youth Debrief of Camp Resurrección September 15, 4:30 pm
Youth who served at Camp Resurrección, please come to youth group early on September 15 to catch up, reflect on our time together in Mount Vernon, and consider ways you’d like to move forward in relationship with our friends there.
Youth Group Fall Kick-Off September 15, 5-7 pm
Grace’s youth (grades 6-12) are invited to join Wren for a fall kick-off and catch-up with games, art, nachos, homemade ice cream, and compline. We’ll meet as a large group on this first gathering of the year, and will plan future opportunities for middle schoolers and high schoolers to connect separately. Please email office@gracehere.org to let us know that you plan to join in!
PARISH LIFE
A Celebration of the Life of John Sinclair Saturday, September 7, 3 pm
We will gather to celebrate and give thanks for the life of John Biddle Sinclair (Nov. 12, 1935 - June 22, 2019) at 3 pm Saturday, September 7, with a reception following in Walker Hall. Contact Florrie Munat to assist with the reception.
Homecoming 2019
Sunday, September 15, after the 9:30 am liturgy
Stay after church on September 15, share about your summer, and reconnect with life at Grace.
Please bring a salad or dessert. Parish Life will provide the main course and drinks. No need to RSVP. Just come home to Grace.
Wisdom Circle
September 20, October 17, November 15, 9:45-11 am
Join Rector Wren Blessing, Florrie Munat, and Andrea Barrineau for three Wisdom Circle conversations on September 20, October 18, and November 15. We'll share coffee, perspectives, and good company, reflecting together on questions that our Vestry and Program Ministry Council are currently considering.
At our first meeting, Wren will invite sharing about Grace’s draft strategic plan, followed by facilitated feedback from the group. Future topics may include Stewardship, Outreach, or other areas of interest. Please call Grace's office or email office@gracehere.org if you plan to attend.
Music at Grace
Grace's music circle encourages you to get involved by suggesting songs, giving a musical offering during the service, or joining us as we make music together. The music circle meetsevery Wednesday evening at 7 pm and every Sunday, before the 9:30 am service.
For questions and more information, contact Martin Cockroft.
Register Now for the All Parish Retreat
October 11-13 | Fort Warden State Park Registration is open for Grace Church’s Parish Retreat! Our theme this year is "Life Mosaic," and we will share and reflect on the stories that shape our lives and community. We will have opportunities to join in small group dialogue, storytelling, creative writing, and making visual art. We will explore spiritual practices that support and provide structure for our stories.
Who: People of all ages.
What: We’ll have time for play, exploration, and relaxation, as well as time for learning and reflection. Activities for children and youth will be facilitated as part of the weekend.
When: 4:30 pm Friday, October 11 through 11 am Sunday, October 13
Men of Grace Fall Retreat Friday-Sunday October 25-27 | John Kydd’s Cabin on Hood Canal
Get to know the guys at Grace during the annual fall retreat! You'll find complete details, pricing, and signup instructions on our Signup Page. Deadline: October 22.
If you have questions or prefer to sign up by email or phone, contact Eric Matthews or call 206. 842.6390.
EMPLOYMENT
Childcare for Mom's Morning Retreat
Mom's Morning Retreat has openings for paid or volunteer childcare. These roles are essential for making mom's group possible, and your time will be deeply appreciated by kids and moms alike. Thursday mornings (3 per month) starting in September. Hours are 9-11:30 am. Contact Jenny Lange.
COMMUNITY
Women’s Schola 6 pm, September 8 | St. Barnabas Episcopal Church
Women’s Schola of Bainbridge Island sings the Office of Evensong at 6 pm on the second Sunday of each month at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church. Come hear traditional plainsong, anthems, psalms, and chants, and let the grace of sung prayer refresh you for the week to come.
Sunrise Prayers for Peace 6:45-9 am September 21 | Waterside Pavilion, Fay Bainbridge Park
All are welcome to an interfaith gathering. Bring your prayers and hopes for peace to share with others. Potluck brunch to follow. Coffee, tea, and juice provided. Sponsored by Interfaith Council of Bainbridge Island-North Kitsap.
