Holy Week and Easter
Holy Week and Easter went well -- it certainly was good to see less brown pew and more people -- I heard comments that some members who hadn't been seen in worship for a while were back. Some things were done a bit differently that what Grace has experienced in the past, but we heard mostly positive comments about all the services. Thanks to everyone - staff, volunteers, who put in extra time and effort to make it all happen
Mayor Sanchez Promotes Park Ambassador Program
On Tuesday night, Mayor Sanchez and Fremont Schools hosted a meeting to launch what they call the Park Ambassador program, which focuses on placing volunteers in city parks to reach out to city youth. Area pastors and youth leaders were invited to attend, and Heather and Pastor Paul were present to represent Grace and LIFT. I asked Heather to write a brief report of her attendance at the meeting:
This past Tuesday evening I, along with other religious leaders in Fremont, were invited by the Mayor, Danny Sanchez and Superintendent, John Detweiler to tour the new high school and a meeting regarding opportunities to support youth in our city. I attend with Pastor Paul Bailie. The meeting consisted of several speakers, a blessing of the new school buildings and the Mayor revealed a new program through the city of Fremont called Park Ambassadors. This opportunity will allow for a presence of Background checked volunteers to be a presence in the parks. We are not there to police the parks, but rather there to build relationships with the youth and families there. We also serve as information & support specialists for youth who may be in need.
I am excited to participate in this program as it can build upon the intention of the Summer Park Tours that I started last summer. This will give my presence in the park validity and not just the creepy lady in the park with gatorade and water in her cooler. In a personal conversation with the Mayor he was glad to know that we had been doing the summer park tour and he encouraged us to continue inviting our families to the parks for games and events. If you too are interested to be a Park Ambassador you can contact the Fremont City Recreation Dept. 419-334-5906.
There has been coverage in the News Messenger about this which you can read about HERE and HERE.
LIFT Notes
You can read the latest issue of LIFT Notes HERE.
60th Confirmation Reunion Planned
The Grace Confirmation Class of 1962 is planning a 60th anniversary reunion and celebration of thier Confirmation at Grace during 10:00 worship on May 22. We will use the Affirmation of Baptism service on that day as a means for the class, along with the congregation, to affirm the promises we make in our baptism, which we examined closely during our Midweek Lenten Worship series. The member of the class that is spearheading this reunion is Rod Karg. I met Rod in 2016 during my time as interim at Providence in Holland, Ohio. Rod was the chair of the Transition Team during that interim.
Changes for Spirit include Revelation Study
Our Wednesday night Spirit activities have resumed with a couple modifications. A scripture reading with discussion questions will be provided for each table, and we are now going to Holy Communion together as a large group instead of having prepackaged elements at each table. At about 5:45 or so, when most have finished their meal, we will gather in a large circle for a brief communion service. Also, I've started a new study using Bishop Daniel and synod staff's new Bible study resource on the book of Revelation. This wil start at 6:00 pm. Here is the full evening schedule:
- 5:00 Meal
- 5:15 Scripture reading and discussion at each table
- 5:30 Open Youth Room
- 5:45 Circle Holy Communion
- 5:30 Creativity Club
- 6:00 Youth Choir
- 6:00 Bible Study with Pr. Mark
- 6:00 S.L.A.M. with Maureen
- 6:15 Middle & High School Group
- 7:00 Bells of Grace
Osterholm Update
Dr. Michael Osterholm, founder and Director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota, continues to deliver solid scientific analysis of the Covid-19 pandemic in his weekly podcasts. The latest episode, posted on Thursday, April 21, is entitled "You Can't Stop the Wind." In this episode, Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss the state of the pandemic in the U.S. and around the world, the end of mask mandates on public transportation, and how to assess the risk posed by emerging variants, like the new Omicron sublineages. They also discuss a COVID query on wastewater testing and share some special thoughts and messages to commemorate the 100th regular episode of this podcast. You can listen to or download this episode HERE.
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