MESSAGE FROM PASTOR SUSANNE

Welcome to Grace on this Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost! The grumbling of the religious leaders in today’s gospel is actually our holy hope: This Jesus welcomes sinners and eats with them. That our God seeks and saves the lost is not only a holy hope, it is our only hope. As the writer of 1 Timothy reminds us, “The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” Thanks be to God.

CHANGES TO ANNOUNCEMENTS

Beginning this month, we will stop including many of the announcements we regularly make in the bulletin. We will include announcements about things that are imminent, the messages from the Pastor and Council President, the prayer list, upcoming birthdays, the Grace calendar, Worship participants and how to request pastoral care. The announcements we are removing will still be available in the email that is sent out on Thursdays. If you do not receive that email and would like a printed version, please let the office know. Please share any feedback you have with Pastor Susanne at scblume@gmail.com or 202 422 4348.

JOINT SERVICE WITH THE OELC

We are worshipping with the Oromo Evangelical Lutheran Church (OELC) on Sunday, September 21. The time for the service has been moved to 11:00 AM.

 GRACE BIBLE STUDY MEETS ON-LINE WEDNESDAYS @ 7
PM.
Please join us for Bible study Wednesday evenings. We are starting a new study using the book Provoking Proverbs which looks at the Book of Proverbs from the perspective of the 10 commandments. 
Contact Pastor Susanne with any questions and to get the on-line link scblume@gmail.com or 202 422 4348.

WATCH OUT FOR SCAMS

Several members received scam emails purportedly from Pastor Susanne.  Here is some advice and things to be on the lookout for from AARP:  If a communication is unexpected, yields an emotional reaction and urges immediate action, be on the alert that it may be a scam. Scams have a common goal - to steal your money, personal information or both. Reporting fraud is essential to help prevent future scams.  If you suspect a scam, disengage immediately.  Here is a link to the AARP.org fraud webpage: aarp.org/fraud

CONSIDER BEING A COFFEE HOUR HOST

Please think about volunteering to host a coffee hour. They are held once a month and you can pick the date (maybe to celebrate an event). We generally have one for Easter and for the 4th Sunday of Advent. and then a few other things as they come up. There is no host for that yet. You will be supplying finger food and drinks and do not need to make coffee. Please contact the office to reserve a date.  

Gifts of Hope Concludes After More Than 30 Years of Impactful Ministry

After more than 30 years of transformative ministry, the Gifts of Hope program will conclude at the end of its 2024 campaign. Since 1992, this alternative gift-giving initiative has raised nearly $4 million to support vital ministries, church camps, companion synods, and local service agencies—impacting countless lives in need. Due to a continuing pattern of decline in funds, the Synod Council has decided to retire the program while seeking new ways to support its beneficiaries.

We give thanks for the faithful leadership of Sue Clark, Carolyn Sowinski, and Natalie Cain, the dedication of all who have served, and the extraordinary generosity of donors over the years. A celebration of the program’s legacy will take place at the 2025 Synod Assembly.

GRACE ANNIVERSARY

We will be celebrating the 150th anniversary of Grace from August 2026 to August 2027. Planning for this major event in the life of the church needs to start soon. We invite anyone who might be interested in being part of the planning to let Marylou know that you would like to help.

WEBSITE

Be sure to check the Grace website at www.graceelcadc.org. You will see the weekly announcements and links to Grace’s Facebook page and YouTube channel. The council approved using Tithe.ly, the online giving service for those who would like to give electronically. Simply select Giving on the website and a form will appear to walk you through the process.

MESSAGE FROM OUR COUNCIL PRESIDENT

The monthly Church Council meeting is today and we will begin working on the 2026 budget. We need your help. You will be receiving a letter and an opportunity to participate in the Triple T Campaign leading to your pledges of Time Talent and Treasure. Please pray about your participation in supporting Grace Church in many ways – and what that participation means to you and your family. Budgets are tight for all of us, including the church so this is an important time to reflect and plan for the future.

Next Sunday, we will again have a joyous joint service with our Oromo brothers and sisters. Please plan to come are be a part of our extended family.

CALL COMMITTEE

The search for a Pastor continues to move forward with the assistance of the Metro DC Synod.

FALL YARD SALE

The Fall date for the Yard Sale will be on November 8, 2025 (9:00 AM
– 4:00 PM).
For more information or to sign up to help, please contact: Ms. Laura
Boyd: 202-321-0393 or Ms. Darlene Campbell: 301-412-5594
To make the yard sales a success, the Outreach Committee is asking
for volunteers to help with setup and breakdown. Thank
you for your support!

LOAVES AND FISHES

One of the Missions of Grace Lutheran Church supports is Loaves and

Fishes, every other month on the first Saturday we serve lunch at

Loaves and Fishes. The need for a free meal is more acute on

weekends, when most free meal programs in Washington are closed.

Since the Pandemic box lunches are handed out to the guests. We

invite you to volunteer when you are available to pack the lunches,

between 8:30 AM and 11:00 AM.

The yard sale supports this mission.