Hello Grace UMC!

I’ve always been fascinated by the willingness of the disciples to drop their nets, leave their boats, and just follow Jesus, not knowing what was next. It’s the same kind of faith that we see when Abram picks up his life and goes without knowing the destination. We also see it when Ruth says to Naomi, “Where you go, I will go; where you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people and your God my God.”

We answered a call this past year to feed those who were hungry through our monthly food distribution, and I believe we answered well! In January, there was a shift in policy and distribution from our partner that drastically reduced what is offered through the distribution down to a few items of produce (while important, not enough to sustain or what was originally discussed). Because of that, we’ve seen a decrease in the number of households coming through our parking lot. After conversations with the Leadership Team, we have agreed that March was our last month to participate. We are grateful for the opportunity we had to partner with Great Plains Food Bank in that way, and will continue to be open to responding to needs with them in the future.

Right now, I believe God is asking us to leave our boats once again, set out on a road of faith, and serve those among us. While we may not know exactly what that looks like in the moment, there are conversations happening about continuing to address food insecurity and hunger in the Romkey Park neighborhood. Thank YOU for being faithful through the hot months and the blizzards, showing up to offer hope and food for those in need. Let us enter together in a season of prayer to discern how God will use us to fulfill our mission of being the church of the neighborhood, making followers of Jesus Christ to transform the world!

3 Things to Know

1. Palms, Pancakes, Pictures!

Join us on Palm Sunday for worship at 10 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, and coworkers (or anyone else you can think of) to join us, and 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.

2. Holy Week Worship Schedule.

At the conclusion of our Lenten journey, we walk through Holy Week, a time where our focus moves away from self-examination to encounter the deep love of God through Jesus’s serving and sacrifice. There will be no Wednesday night supper or worship on April 1st, but we will have worship on Friday, April 3rd, at 6 pm. We will remember the Last Supper with Holy Communion and reflect upon the sacrifice of Christ for us all. While schedules get busy, consider making plans for this important moment in the life of the church.

3. Easter Flowers

Order forms are available at the Connection Center for Easter flowers. This year, we are also welcoming folks to bring in flowers for Easter Sunday in honor or memory of a loved one. If you’d like to do that, please fill out a form so we can make sure they are listed. Because of allergies, we ask that you refrain from bringing Easter Lillies.  

Worship This Week

Wednesday Evening- How do we react when we are in distress? Do our prayers look or sound any different? As we continue through Lent, and every part of our lives for that matter, we’re likely to face some challenges. Psalm 143 was written from a place of wanting release. We’ll talk about it and take communion with one another tonight at 6 pm.

Sunday Morning- We will continue our sermon series, “From Wilderness to Glory” looking at Mark 3:1-6, with Jesus Among Enemies. Wait… Jesus had enemies?! Well, sort of. Join us in-person and online at 10:00am for a time of worship with communion as well.

Prayer Requests

• *New* Family of Will W. in his passing. You can view his obituary here, and his funeral will be on Saturday, March 28 at 3pm at Grace. If you are able to help serve following the service, please contact our funeral coordinator, Anne Roberts.
• *New* For those who face chronic conditions and are seeking answers and solutions.
• *Update* Kayte (daughter of Jean and Russ W) had her spinal surgery, and all went well! Prayers for healing and recovery. The surgery took place in Minneapolis, and they’ll be coming home soon. If you’re interested in helping with a meal or gift card, please contact Jean W or Pastor Taylor.
• Carol A. asks for prayers for Mary in the loss of her husband.
• Sharon (Aunt of Rachel B.) is dealing with multiple health problems
• Candace asks prayers for her dad who found out he has stage 3 cancer, and it’s too big to remove.
• Elloise B. asks prayers for her grandma who fell off a stepladder and hurt her shoulder.
• 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.
• 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-ups. 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.