Due to an error on my part, Elloise’s article did not appear in the monthly newsletter. Have no fear, you get it here!

Hello, from Grace Youth! February has been an exciting month for the youth. Our annual sub fundraiser was a huge success! We were able to raise over $1,500 for the youth! Again, this provides us with funds vital to Mission Trips and other activities/items we pay for, and supports GraceKids. A big thanks to everyone who participated/supported the youth! As for Wednesday nights, we first looked at being prideful. Nicodemus responds with a proud belief that he knows the “obvious” truth. However, Jesus asks us to look deeper and with open minds, asking honest questions rather than providing knowing answers. In all reality, we are very small pieces to the greater picture, and yet, we are called beloved children of God. Keeping this in mind as we live will help us better understand God’s teachings and appreciate the lessons the Lord shares with us.
Another thing to be mindful of is what we are sowing (metaphorically speaking). The things we do and the choices we make sow different things; These can grow to be seeds or weeds. Seeds will allow us to reap good, plentiful things, while weeds will only lead to harmful outcomes that choke out the good seeds. We must be wary, especially during Lent, of how our actions will impact our futures and the futures of those around us. This will lead us to a life more similar to Jesus’, enriching the life around us.
The final week of February focused solely on the Lenten season! We focused on the 40 days after Jesus’ baptism, when He was sent into the wilderness to pray and fast. We know he was also tempted by the Devil, as we all are. The 40 days Jesus spent focused on only God are symbolic of the 40 days of Lent. We, too, are called to be intentional and focused on God at this time. Similar to Jesus’ fasting and giving up his life, many of us will sacrifice something during Lent. This season can look like anything from giving up something or being intentional in other ways to simply praying more. Regardless of what you do, make sure to keep your faith at the front of your mind as we continue on towards the crucifixion.

3 Things to Know

1. Financial Planning Event Grace will host a financial planning event put on by Thrivent Financial. On Thursday, March 5th at 5:30 pm, come for dinner, and at 6:30 pm, join a conversation about managing retirement income, estate planning, tax-efficient investing, and more. Please RSVP by replying to this email or contacting Todd Grow at todd.grow@thrivent.com so we can get a good count for supper. This event is open to anyone and will last until 7:30 pm.

2. Wednesday evenings, our Lenten Soup suppers will continue for the next few Wednesdays, followed by a time of worship in the Connection Center. Serving starts at 5:00 pm with delicious homemade soup, bread, and other fixings. If you’re coming in later in the hour, please let Pastor Taylor or Nancy H. know so we can make sure the soup stays ready for you! Invite a friend or neighbor to come join us as we fellowship and eat together!

3. Palms, Pancakes, and Pictures! Join us on Palm Sunday for worship at 10:00 am, then stick around for a pancake breakfast, an Easter-themed photo booth, and an egg hunt for the kiddos. Invite your friends, family, neighbors, coworkers (whomever you can think of) to join us, and you can use this link to share on Facebook. A free-will offering will be taken during breakfast, with funds going towards restoring the roof of Grace UMC. If you can help with pancakes, serving, or clean up, please sign up at the Connection Center or contact Pastor Taylor.

Wednesday evening worship this week. Wednesday evening – Are you feeling weary and burdened from the week? Jesus invites us to come to him to rest. Join us tonight for a time of worship and rest!

Sunday morning worship this week – We will continue our sermon series, “From Wilderness to Glory”, looking at Matthew 26:36–46, Jesus in Prayer. Jesus teaches us to pray that God’s will be done, and even in his darkest moments, Jesus prays for the same. Are we able to keep alert? Join us in-person or online at 10:00 am!

Prayer Requests

• *New* Sharon (Aunt of Rachel B.) dealing with multiple health problems
• *New* Candace asks prayers for her dad who found out he has stage 3 cancer, and it’s too big to remove.
• *New* Elloise B. asks prayers for her grandma, who fell off a stepladder and hurt her shoulder.
• *New* Holly E. and her brother. He’s been dealing with alcohol addiction, and Holly is his current caregiver. Prayers for both recovery, endurance, and rest.
• *Update* Lisa M. (friend and colleague of Sarah M.) has passed away following a long battle with breast cancer. Prayers for her family and friends.
• *Update* Emily H., who has been on our prayer list for some time, has passed away following a long battle with cancer and time in hospice. Prayers for her friends and family.
• *Update* Michelle as she recovers from open heart surgery on Tuesday.
• Kayte (daughter of Jean and Russ W.) is scheduled for surgery on her back coming up. Hoping for pain relief.
• Abe and Dale in their roles as caregivers.
• Pete for his health.
• Jackson/Manning family following as they continue to rebuild following a house fire.
• Emma (member of Grace Youth) has been diagnosed with Hashimoto’s, a thyroid issue. Prayers as they discern treatment moving forward.
• Saleem who is battling stage 3 cancer and on his second round of chemotherapy treatments.
• Ashley (relative of Sandy S.) had a tumor found in her brain last week. They are trying to figure out the steps.
• Kris (sister of Kay H.), who is struggling with an autoimmune disease and flare-up. Comfort, relief, and the right meds.
• Annett (family of Jodi M.) is dealing with some health issues.
• Therese asks prayers for Jeffery’s life struggles and mental illness, for those who sit in sadness and depression, Kari and her struggles with her son, Mary Jo (sister), and her grandchildren.
• Nancy Q. asks for prayers for Hannah and Mike. They were married last June, and now Hannah has cancer, and Mike has lost his job.
• Jaron, for his recovery and health issues.
• Patrick (Nephew of Carol A.), who is dealing with addiction.
• Megan (Niece of Anne and John R.) is dealing with cancer recurrence.
• Xavier from Grace Kids asks us to continue to pray for the family and friends of Adam A.
• Trisha R. for continued healing and support.
• Cheryl G. during her battle with cancer.