March 15, 2023
GRACE COMMUNITY
FORUM: READ THE BIBLE LIKE AN ENGLISH MAJOR
Sunday, March 19 at 11:45 am in the Sanctuary
The Greatest Story Ever Told?
“The Gospels are works of art, masterful literature meant to engage our minds and hearts and to compel our response. We just need the eyes to see it.”
Maren Jo Schneider, writer, podcaster, and story fiend will present a forum on March 19 in the Sanctuary following the 10:30 service to discuss reading the Bible like an English major. The forum will be an interactive discussion examining Luke’s use of characterization in Martha’s story in Luke 10:38-42: What can we see if we view Luke as an artist, and not a reporter? Does it help us engage differently? If you’re looking for a fresh take on stories you think you know or are curious about how Biblical authors used irony, symbolism, and humor to make a point, please join us!
To get a taste of Maren’s work, check out her podcast at marenjo.com/apple or marenjo.com/spotify. You can also read her articles on her website: www.marenjo.com.
NEWSLETTER DEADLINE
Articles for the April Grace Messenger are due on Monday, March 20 to info@graceattheu.org.
IFTAR MEALS INVITATION
This year our Muslim siblings begin celebrating the holy month of Ramadan on March 23. Once again, many mosques in our area are opening their doors and hosting breaking-the-fast iftar meals for the community. Many Grace members have attended in the past, and this is a wonderful way of learning and showing our promised solidarity with the Muslim community. Pre-registration is required. The Minnesota Council of Churches is coordinating; you can learn more and register here.
CLIMATE CHANGE & JESUS’ THREE TEMPTATIONS
Please join us on Sunday, March 26th, in the Peace Chapel during Grace Time (9:15 to 10:15 am) between the 8:15 and 10:30 services. We are presenting a forum on “Facing Jesus’ Temptations in the Age of Climate Crisis: Energy in Human History” by Fredic L. Quivik, Phd., a retired Professor of History at Michigan Technological University. Dr. Quivik also works as an expert witness (industrial historian) in Superfund litigation, often involving sulfide-mining sites throughout the United States.
Dr. Quivik looks at each of the three ways Satan tempted (or tested) Jesus, and Jesus’ responses, as told in the Gospel of Matthew. And he offers thoughts on how we have succumbed to those temptations in the ways we presently use energy. For example, the world as God created it produces all the food we need, but in the last century, we collectively decided to make a transition toward “turning stones into bread” by the heavy use of petroleum, or stone oil, in food production. The presentation suggests Biblical language for thinking about the human causes of climate change and explores more deeply how humans gather and harness energy, and the moral implications of how we do so.
So, stay late or come early on the Sunday, the 26th, to enjoy this fascinating presentation.
MARCH IS MINNESOTA FOODSHARE MONTH
An effective way to support Minnesota food shelves during March (and always!) is to make direct financial contributions: organizations are able to purchase items at deep discounts so every dollar goes further. We encourage you to support our local food shelves, particularly Community Emergency Service (https://cesmn.org/donation-form/) and the Brian Coyle Center (https://pillsburyunited.org/donate/) — or another organization.
CHURCH CLEAN UP DAY
Saturday, April 1 (no fooling!) from 9am-12noon
We’ll be tackling some cleaning and organizing throughout our building, and you are invited to join us that day to help! All ages are welcome. Bring cleaning cloths and other cleaning supplies that you think might be useful. Coffee and pastries provided!
UKRAINIAN EASTER EGG DECORATING
Sunday, April 2, 12:00-2:00 pm
Come decorate eggs with Karen Franzmeier! Karen is an experienced Ukrainian egg decorator and teacher. Let’s prepare for Easter together by creating beautiful eggs! Recommended for all ages 2nd grade and above. Steady hands are needed so the eggs don’t crack! Cost is $5 per family to cover the cost of materials. Sign up by the office door and pay the day of the event.
SEEKING SOUP MAKERS
Lutheran Campus Ministry is seeking soup makers for Tuesday “Be Fed” community lunches this semester. The attendance for this weekly meal has grown considerably, so the request is for two people to each make soup for about 25 students. Sign up at this link. Or contact Michelle, LCM’s administrator, if you have questions: info@umnlutheran.org.
PRAYER SHAWLS
Did you know…Grace has a prayer shawl ministry? It’s one way we share the love and care God first shows us. Our supply of prayer shawls has dwindled to just a few, and we invite you to contribute! There are patterns out there in the world, but basically prayer shawls are knitted or crocheted with soft yarn, and are larger than a scarf but smaller than a blanket. The maker prays for the recipient, even though they may never know who the receiver may be. Shawls can be brought to the Grace office when complete! Contact Jill with questions: info@graceattheu.org
HOUSEHOLD PHOTOS
We’ll print an updated directory of Grace members this spring. If you wish to add your household’s photo to the directory, or update the photo we have on file for you, please send in a photo any time! info@graceattheu.org
WEEKLY BIBLE STUDY
Tuesdays at 1:30 pm via Zoom (2nd Tuesdays in person off-site)
Next in-person gathering: April 11
This study on the lectionary texts for the upcoming Sunday will be led alternatingly by Pastors Justin and Amber. If you are interested in participating, please join by Zoom using this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86478236987?pwd=Ky8xZE5GWDVuWGhMQlBrVEJ0WStFZz09
Meeting ID: 864 7823 6987
Passcode: 056068
For Second Tuesdays, please contact Pastor Amber Ingalsbe for information about where to meet – pastoramber@graceattheu.org.
QUILTING
Meet the second* Thursdays of the month from 10am-1pm in Grace’s Fellowship Hall.
Next meeting: April 13
This group is for anyone, as there are tasks for all skill levels (or no quilting skills whatsoever:) – cutting squares, pinning fabric, sewing, securing the layers, etc. The quilting group will decide where the quilts will go. Let Karen Franzmeier know you are interested or will be there! karenfranz@juno.com or 612-423-4725.
GRACE MEN’S BREAKFASTS
Second Saturdays at 9:00 am – slight change for April:
Held at Becketwood (4300 West River Pkwy, Minneapolis) on April 15 (3rd Saturday)
Grace men are invited to breakfast, conversation, and community! For more information, please contact Dan Olson, coordinator: olso1981@umn.edu
SOUTHEAST SENIORS MARCH EVENT
History of the Minneapolis Central Library – Wednesday, March 22, 1:30 – 2:30 PM
at Hennepin County Minneapolis Central Library
Guided tour of the downtown building focusing on four floors of art, unique architecture, and large book collections. To register, call Minneapolis Community Education at 612-668-1022 or visit https://minneapolis.ce.eleyo.com/course/43561/lifelong-learning-55-winter-2023/history-of-the-minneapolis-central-library-marcy-55?fbclid=IwAR00eYHoQCHOortrnGfCRjHImC_h08SPSOuxNqWtlablLsu7q37jW_UPtQ0
GATHER, FOR YOUNG ADULTS
Are you a young adult (roughly 19-35), looking to connect with other young adults? Gather is a ministry supported by the Minneapolis Area Synod and St. Paul Area Synod that sets the table for worship, fellowship, and community building among young adult Lutherans in the metro area.
The next gathering is at St. Anthony Park Lutheran Church (2323 Como Ave, St. Paul) on Sunday, March 26. It begins with a contemplative, candle-lit service at 5:30pm, followed by the sharing of a simple and abundant meal. Multiple dietary accommodations are considered when selecting the menu, but please email gathertwincities@gmail.com with a specific food allergy or request.
Come for a deep breath. Come for community. Come as you are.
SMALL BUT MIGHTY
June 17-23, 2023 at Gustavus Adolphus College
Do you know a high school student eager to be a change-maker in their world? A student who loves science? Someone who might be curious about how their faith can work hand in hand with STEM disciplines, tackling issues of injustice?
The Gustavus Academy of Faith, Science, and Ethics brings high school students from across the country to learn alongside top scientists and theologians. At the intersection of faith and science, we work together to find solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges. And, we have a lot of fun.
Join us this summer as we explore the interconnectedness of all of creation, doing a deep dive into the growing impact of bugs on the environment, the land we live on, the food we eat and more. Fellows will experience hands-on learning in ecology and theology, discovering how faith and science can work hand-in-hand to create a more beautiful future for our planet.
June 17th-23rd, 2023 on the beautiful campus of Gustavus Adolphus College in Saint Peter, MN. Registration is now open! Click here to learn more about the Academy and to register.
OPPORTUNITIES TO GIVE & VOLUNTEER
SOUTHEAST SENIORS
Southeast Seniors is a neighbor-helping-neighbor program utilizing volunteer and professional staff to help neighbors 65 years and older remain safely in their homes (house/apartment) with enhanced quality of life. SES assists with simple tasks and provides life-changing resources to support clients. Volunteers are needed for many roles: to provide transportation, companionship, and some outside chores, such as raking leaves. Visit https://www.seseniors.org/volunteer to learn more and to find contact information for volunteering.
COMMUNITY EMERGENCY SERVICE (CES) https://cesmn.org
CES seeks to strengthen families and individuals with the goal of moving them beyond crisis to financial stability, emotional health, personal growth and spiritual depth, and doing so through direct service to people in need: relief, advocacy, referral, guidance and prayer support, if desired. CES houses a food pantry and a home delivery program for those in the Phillips area. Contact Linda Velez, Volunteer Engagement Director, lvelez@cesmn.org
MEALS ON WHEELS
Eastside Meals on Wheels volunteers deliver meals that make a difference to our older adult neighbors, help to combat social isolation, address safety hazards, and provide holistic care. Want to volunteer? Pick up is at 11:00 am at Waite Park Wesleyan Church (1510-33rd Ave NE, Mpls). Meals are delivered Monday through Friday and we can be flexible with your schedule. Contact Jessie for more information: (612)277-2529 or Jessie@eastsidemeals.org.
CALVARY LUTHERAN CHURCH
Calvary Lutheran Church (3901 Chicago Ave, Mpls) has an emergency food shelf on Saturdays – (http://clchurch.org) see “Emergency Food Shelf” on the home page, which includes information for those seeking food and a link to volunteer.
GARDEN PANTRY NEEDS
Grace’s garden pantry is for any passerby in need of food or basic hygiene supplies. We stock the pantry with items purchased with grant funds, monetary gifts, and donations of easy-to-grab items. To contribute to our supply of items, you may send a check to Grace with “pantry” in the memo line, or bring items to the pantry bins in the kitchen at Grace.
LUTHERAN DISASTER RESPONSE
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA, the church body to whom Grace belongs) responds to disasters whenever and wherever they strike. Please consider a gift to help alleviate suffering and begin the healing process wherever LDR can make a difference. https://www.elca.org/our-work/relief-and-development/lutheran-disaster-response
SUPPORT FOR UKRAINE
There are several faith-based organizations in place to offer tangible support to Ukrainians:
- Lutheran World Relief is receiving donations at lwr.org for the World of Good Fund.
- The Lutheran World Federation is supporting people and churches — lutheranworld.org
- Lutheran Disaster Response — elca.org/disaster
SUPPORT GROUPS
VETERANS EXPERIENCE, STRENGTH & HOPE MEETING
Wednesdays, 12:00 CST, 1:00 EST, and 10:00 PST
Zoom meeting only
For zoom link to the meeting, contact: Carl—Tuck.rosenberg@yahoo.com, Mark—pastorstmartin@gmail.com, or Jeanne—rcnstcloud@gmail.com
For more information about this meeting please email: veteransesh@gmail.com
This meeting is for all who serve or have served in the Armed Services. Who are looking for support with recovery from substance use disorder. Who are looking comradeship so you know you are not alone. Substance use is about isolation, recovery is about connection. Connection is life on life terms. You never have to be alone again. Connections begin with reaching out.
VETERAN’S HELPLINE AVAILABLE 24/7:
CALL 1-800-273-8255 and PRESS 1, chat live, or text 838255
