The church and preschool are closed today in
observance of the Thanksgiving holiday.
In Loving Memory
Michael "Mike" Slyby died Friday, November 19, 2021.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday,
November 27, in the Grace sanctuary. Please keep Mike's family and all who mourn his passing in your prayers. Condolences may be left online at the link below. https://www.desmoinesregister.com/obituaries/dmr118169,
Charge Conference regarding The Boy Scouts of America
Dear leaders,
The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) filed for bankruptcy after numerous suits were filed for sexual abuse. As part of the bankruptcy process, United Methodist local churches across the country had the opportunity to file a proof of claim. Filing a proof of claim indicated, among other things, that the local church had a right to be indemnified/protected by BSA as well as BSA insurance policy coverage for any claim filed against the local church by a scout survivor. Your congregation was in the past and/or is presently a charter organization and could have a lawsuit filed by an abuse survivor against your local church. Your local church filed a proof of claim and now has the opportunity to vote on the bankruptcy plan. Because local churches' votes must be received by December 14, 2021, and because we will not know if all United Methodist local churches will be covered against BSA claims until November 23, 2021, all United Methodist local churches that filed a proof of claim must prepare now to record their vote. The congregation’s vote is critical to ensure United Methodist local churches are protected from a lawsuit filed concerning an individual claiming they were abused while in a scouting program associated with the local church.
To this end, I would like to schedule a special called charge conference to vote on the following motion:
"We the Grace United Methodist Church (approve) (disapprove) the BSA plan of reorganization and give authority for the chair of the board of trustees to execute the plan ballot document."
The ballot has to be submitted by December 14, 2021 or electronically after the charge conference. The minute of the charge conference will be submitted to the district office. Please contact me anytime if you have any questions.
Peace,
Heecheon Jeon
Grace's charge conference will be held on November 30 from 7:00 to 7:30 p.m. via Zoom. Here is the Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/5488012301
Youth in-person Sunday School option resumes this Sunday! "The Heart That Grew Three Sizes" will be the focus for Advent as the in-person Youth Sunday School Class resumes this week. If you are a Dr. Suess fan, you likely recognized the description of the Grinch, who tried to steal Christmas.
But something changed the Grinch - and that will be the focus - starting this Sunday, November 28. We are asking that youth attending be vaccinated and wear a mask. Come join us at 9 a.m. in Room 208.
A weekly email activity will be sent out as well, for those not yet ready to
return to in-person classes.
Adults invited to join an Advent Study on Sunday mornings
During the season of Advent, the Winsome Neighbors adult Sunday School Class will follow Rev. Matt Rawle's book "The Heart That Grew Three Sizes".If you are a Dr. Suess fan (or have kids or grandkids), you may remember that title as the description of the Grinch who tried to steal Christmas.
Though written for children, Dr. Seuss was writing because of his concern about the commercialization of Christmas. Using Rev. Rawle's book and videos, Rev. Gary Nims will lead the four sessions.
All adults are welcome for this study (even if you don't regularly attend the Winsome Neighbors class), which will meet in Room A2 (across from the Activity Center downstairs).
Fa La La La La!
We could still use some volunteers to help deck the halls of the church for the Christmas season. If you are able to help on Saturday, November 27 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., please contact Jody Off at jodyoff68@gmail.com.
New Group Reading the Bible in One Year
Have you ever wanted to read the entire Bible? Grace is starting a new Bible study group in January of 2022 with the goal being to read the entire Bible in one year. The study will be based on “The Bible Year: A Journey Through Scripture in 365 Days”, which features weekly videos and lessons. Once we have identified all of those who wish to participate, we will figure out a regular meeting time that works for the majority of the group. Contact Coreen Witke at coreenwitke@gracedesmoines.org or call her at 515.255.6400 ext. 230 to register for the group.
The next UMW unit meeting will be December 2 at 9:30 am in Fellowship Hall. Join us for the meeting and fellowship!
Advent Devotional
Our Advent Devotional this year is called “Close to Home” from Sanctified Art. The booklet includes art, poetry, songs, and scripture for each day of Advent. In addition, there are opportunities for journaling and reflection. This booklet will help you live fully with joy, hope, and courage…beyond the season of Advent. Anyone who would like a copy of this booklet is asked to add their name to the sign up sheets in the entryway and narthex of the church. An online sign up will be available soon. If you have any questions, please contact Coreen Witke in the church office. Here is a link to a song list on YouTube that goes along with the devotional. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLR6o4X_x9ZxpXA7HBZkpNcusV9P4SSL1M
Every fall, the Grace Administrative Board sets goals for the future. For 2022, the Administrate Board has set five goals:
1. Evaluate our current administrative and committee structure
2. Bring people who have been worshiping online into a closer connection with Grace.
3. Create a task force to explore ways Grace can connect with young adults and support their spiritual journeys.
4. Involve more people of all ages in Christian Education and/or spiritual growth.
5. Increase the social justice and outreach influence of Grace as we ask ourselves and the community, where are we needed for service and advocacy?
To make these goals a reality, the Administrative Board needs your help, especially on our goals for expanding our outreach and membership to our online community, engaging young adults, and updating our Christian Education program with more opportunities for spiritual growth and community connections.
Grace Youth have a few wreaths and other greenery available. if you missed your chance to order your Christmas decor, contact
John or Kari Walker at 515.210.7367.
Youth Group meets each Sunday from 5 to 6:30 p.m. by the garages. Anyone in High School or Middle School is invited to join...all are welcome! Look for the fire pit and join in the fun. Any questions may be addressed to Nathan at 515-577-0190 or nathandelange@gracedesmoines.org or Patty at 515-979-1697 or pattylink@gracedesmoines.org.
You are invited to join the Open Table on Thursdays from 6 to 7 p.m. in Room 201 at Grace. As the name implies, the Open Table is modeled off the belief in the Methodist Church that all are welcome to the communion table, and we likewise welcome ALL including our LGBTQI family, agnostics, and anyone who has been hurt by the church to our weekly discussions. We are an open-minded and open-hearted group meeting weekly to discuss faith, spirituality, and social justice. We strive to create a space where contemplation, conversation, and questions are welcome and uncommon hospitality can take root. We value open dialogue, foster relationships, and seek to create a community where we can both challenge and support each other as we explore what it means to live out our Christian faith.
If you are looking to reconnect with others following a year of COVID isolation, if you are interested in wrestling with questions of our common humanity, if you are searching for another way to hear God's voice, or if you just like the idea of sharing light snacks and soda with other flawed humans - please consider joining us for a night! Come to the table.
Worship With Grace Online
Although we have resumed in-person worship, the following options for attending virtually remain available to you.
