Hello Grace UMC!

It’s amazing what conversation can do. Through listening and speaking with one another, we can offer encouragement, share in our frustrations and burdens, and maybe even spark an idea of innovation or creativity. One conversation I had recently did just that. Following up on the sermon from Sunday, we were reminiscing on times we were able to get out into nature and how powerful it is to reconnect with creation. This person talked about going out onto the lake early in the morning before the hum of activities started up and experiencing the stillness in the air and on the water. From there the conversation traveled towards areas that feel sacred for us, and of course camping came up. It planted the seed of possibility, and I wanted to gauge some interest. Northern Pines has meant a lot to many in our congregation, but we don’t often get the time to go back. A simple reply to this email or conversation on Sunday would be helpful in answering this question: Would you be interested in an overnight retreat for an opportunity to get away and reconnect with God, creation, and one another? I don’t have specific details on when or cost at this point, but wanted to get an idea of what the interest level might be. Let me know your thoughts if you would, I’d be so grateful! In the meantime, here are some opportunities coming up at Grace!

3 Things to Know

1. Grace Youth Sub Fundraiser
   Help support your GraceKids and GraceYouth! For $12 you will receive: A sandwich on hoagie bread with your choice of meat, cheese, and toppings, as well as your choice of chips and cookie. Money from this fundraiser will go to our Kids and Youth programs, as well as help fund future mission trips. Orders are due February 4 at 7pm, and pick up will be available at Grace UMC Sunday, February 8 from 11-12pm. Click here to order online, or you can get an order form at the church! Payment will be accepted during pickup times.
2. Lent Book Orders
   Lent will be here quickly, and we want to help you in your Lenten spiritual journey. If you’d like to purchase a copy of “From Wilderness to Glory” by N.T. Wright, make sure you sign up at the Connection Center, or sending an email to Pastor Taylor at graceunitedmethodistpastor@gmail.com. This book will be the guide for our sermon series and discipleship opportunities. Books are $10 and money will be collected when the books arrive.​
3. United Methodist Camping
   Snow got ya down? Wishing it was summer? Camping registration is open for Minnesota UM camps today! There are scholarships available from the church, so please contact Pastor Taylor or Paul Anderson if you are interested in signing up. There are lots of wonderful camps for all ages, and if you sign up early, there are discounts available. You can check out all the happenings at www.campminnesota.org.

Worship This Week

This week we will wrap up our current sermon series, “From The Start”, looking at Genesis 3 and the struggle of our human nature. We’ll do our best to tackle some hard questions: If everything was perfect, why ruin it? Why would God allow sin? If we’re descendants of sin, is there any hope? Join us in-person or online at 10:00am!

Prayer Requests

There are many in our congregation in need of prayer. Please be mindful of these people and situations in your daily prayers.
*New* Nora S. (mother of Denis S.) on hospice.
*Update* Family of Lucille Tollefson (Aunt of Del L.) in her passing. Prayers of peace and comfort for the family.
*Update* Brandon (son of Rick and Becky P.) had a successful surgery, prayers for a speedy recovery.
*Update* Jenny (Niece of Jean and Russ W.) is cancer free!
Kris (sister of Kay H.) who is struggling with autoimmune disease and flare up. Comfort, relief and right meds.
Denis S. having a surgical procedure on his back.
Amber L. updated us that Russel, who had an accident with a semi, is now up and walking by the grace of God! There’s still a long road of recovery, but Russel was originally told he would never walk again.
Jerry B. had a successful surgery. Prayer for quick healing for him and for Diana as she cares for him.
Emily H., who we’ve been praying for her lung cancer treatment, has been moved to hospice. Prayers for her, her family, and friends for peace and comfort.
Annett (family of Jodi M.) who is dealing with some health issues.
Abe and Teri M. (friends of Carol A.) and their new journey with Alzheimers.
Linda F., (niece of Nancy Q.) successfully had her kidney removed, and awaiting results of the biopsy.
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.
David (brother-in-law of Jean W.) recovering from a fall that broke 4 ribs and punctured a lung. Prayers for recovery and patience.
Mary (sister-in-law of Del L.) dealing with a return of cancer, and is taking chemo again.
Nancy Q. asks prayers Hannah and Mike. They were married this 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, and for Saleem who is battling stage 3 cancer and treatments.
Megan (Niece of Anne and John R.) dealing with cancer recurrence.
Xavier from Grace Kids asks us to continue to pray for the family and friends of Adam Amin as they mourn his passing.
Trisha R. for continued healing and support.
Mike C. (Bria E.’s dad) who continues to battle health issues, for Janet (Bria’s mom) is his caregiver and they are both tired. Prayers of comfort for the whole family.
Janel (friend of Jodi M.) her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. Keep them in our prayers as Julie goes through treatment.
Lisa M. (co-worker of Sarah M.) who is battling breast cancer
Cheryl G. during her battle with cancer.