Grace News March 4, 2025

Announcements

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Announcements

Council Highlights–2/17/25 Meeting

Pastor Verkouw announced that Pat Oberholtzer has resigned from Council. Mary Jordan was elected to replace Pat
Jane Sheckard reported that our loan balance went down substantially and was below $500,000.00 at the end of December 2024
We over-spent in some areas but mostly in our property ($31,000.00) as was expected.
Our net assets rose by $375,000.00 with a great reserve fund.
Pastor reported how our downstairs is being used virtually every night and we are thankful to have such a gathering place.
Jenny Fritsch has most graciously offered to pay for the music window installation and lighting. Keith Miller thought perhaps a chair near the window would allow one to sit and contemplate.
With Council’s approval and a hearty unanimous vote, Refugee Funds may be used by Ivine.
We need to consider some possible enhancements done to the hearing devices and they are getting older and some of the wiring should be checked.
One of the pouring chalices is very difficult to use due to the lip. Lois will take it to Jude Sharp for consideration
We will soon start planning a celebration of Pastor’s 30th year of ministry. It is not a secret nor a surprise and there will be more information forthcoming.

2024 End of Year Giving Statements

If you need your 2024 giving statement you can find it on Icon. Log into your Icon account and click on “donations” and then change the date range to 1/1/24-12/31/24. If you need access to your Icon account please let Angie know. If you just need your password, you can reset it on Icon by clicking “forgot password.” If you need a paper copy of your statement please call the church office 717-397-2748 or email Angie at gracechurch517@gmail.com.

Mardi Gras–Thank You

Wow what a Sunday! The Alleluias were buried, Jesus was Transfigured, the Global Barnyard project exceeded its goal of $500 for a cow, and merriment and delicious food was enjoyed by all who attended the Mardi Gras lunch and talent show!

In fact the talent show was so fascinating that the 3 people who were supposed to take photos were too enthralled and forgot to take photos. A big thank you to Vicki Mumma, Joel D. Smith, the decorators and all those who shared their talents.

Zoom into the 2025 World Mission Institute: 3/13 at 8 pm

I got an email about this event from the Chicago Seminary and will be attending it via ZOOM. And I thought that some other Grace members might also want to be there too. There is no charge.
Event Synopsis
The U.S. – Mexico borderlands are a contested third space within the global economic system. The church is challenged to ask:
1. What is its duty to the migrant neighbor within this context?
2. What does the love of the Crucified and Risen Savior require of the church in response to the duty to care for the migrant neighbor?
3. What are legitimate forms of advocacy for the human rights of transnational migrants who often experience deportation?
4. What does it mean to be a sanctuary church?
For more information and to register, click here
If you take part, it would be interesting to hear what you thought of the information shared.
—Arlene Volk

Outreach

Grocery Cards

Grocery cards are available at both services on Sunday mornings. You may order cards by calling Duane and Kitty Weiss. Remember all purchases of cards realizes 5% in cash back to Grace. These funds are used to support our many ministries.