"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).
Grace will be holding a celebration to honor and thank Patty and Nathan for their years of service to our youth during and after our worship service on December 19.
We are currently accepting donations for a love gift to be presented to Patty and Nathan at the reception on the 19th. Please make checks out to Grace United Methodist Church, and be sure all gifts are designated as a love gift for Patty and Nathan. Gifts may be placed in the offering plate Sunday morning, mailed to the church, or dropped off in the church office. You may also contribute electronically at https://gracedesmoines.org/giving . All donations will be split between Patty and Nathan.
In order to have the gifts ready to present on the morning of December 19, please be sure to make your donation by Sunday, December 12. Donations received after December 12 will get to Patty and Nathan, but will not be included in the gifts presented on the 19th.
Bus Service on Christmas Eve
The Grace Bus will be running on Christmas Eve! If you need a ride to the 7:00 p.m. worship service, please call the church office at 515.255.2131 no later than December 23 to reserve your seat.
Quick reminder! If you have an article for the January Chimes newsletter, please turn in your complete article no later than December 15 by emailing it to charlenehjort@gracedesmoines.org or sending a hard copy to the church office. Thank you for your consideration!
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.
Volunteer Needed to Polish the Brass
The brass candle lighters that the acolytes carry need to be cleaned and polished. If you would like to take on this task, please contact Coreen Witke at 515.255.6400 ext. 230 or coreenwitke@gracedesmoines.org. All supplies will be provided.
Feast of the Holy Innocents
6:30 p.m.Tuesday, December 28, 2021 Capitol Hill Lutheran Church 511 Des Moines Street, Des Moines
Once again the Des Moines Faith Committee for Peace invites you to a Feast of the Holy Innocents service.
The Church and Society Committee of Grace United Methodist Church is one of the sponsors of this service.
The theme of the service will be “Wailing for Children Who Are No More”. We will raise our prayers to stop violence against innocent children caused by wars and conflicts around the world.
Donations to benefit the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants
Des Moines Faith Committee for Peace
The January - February edition of The Upper Room is now available to be picked up at the church. Small- and large-print versions are available.
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.
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.
