MESSAGE FROM PASTOR SUSANNE

Welcome to Grace on this Second Sunday of Easter! In spite of all we have heard and all we have seen, it is often hard to believe. Because it is hard to believe, we will invest ourselves in the Easter mystery for fifty days (a week of weeks). Because it is hard to believe, John the evangelist will provide sign after sign celebrating Jesus’ victory over death. Because it is hard to believe, the risen Jesus will return to us again and again in the mystery of holy communion, inviting us to touch and taste his presence, and offering us his peace.

GRACE BIBLE STUDY MEETS ON-LINE WEDNESDAYS @ 7 PM.

Please join us for Bible study Wednesday evenings. We are looking at
the gospel of Luke, which is the source of most of our gospel readings
for this year.

Contact Pastor Susanne with any questions and to get the on-line link scblume@gmail.com or 202 422 4348.

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

Thank you to everyone who participated in the many tasks and worship experiences we celebrated last week. Special thank you to Pastor Susanne, Lucretia Massaquoi, Tyrone Boyd, Laura Boyd, Mary Birbalsingh and Mesfin Buli for the help in stripping the altar and then polishing the silver, brass and preparing the sanctuary for Easter. Also thank you to Tyrone Boyd, Mesfin Buli and Zekarias Rare for the assistance in spreading the mulch on Saturday and preparing the grounds for spring and summer. It takes many hands to accomplish all we do here at Grace.

I also want to thank Malou and the choir for the wonderful music they provided on Easter. All of our visitors were especially impressed by the quality that we regulars know so well. Thank you.

Yesterday, weather permitting, we held our Yard Sale to benefit Loaves and Fishes. Since I wrote this note on Tuesday, I am hopeful that the weather will hold. If not, the rain date is May 24.

I was able to send the Synod a check for $1000 that is part of our pledge to support the work the Synod and the ELCA does on a daily basis. As usual our Easter and Christmas offerings go to this pledge of support. It’s not too late if you still want to use your Easter envelope or mark a special envelope for the Easter donation. We had budgeted $3000 for the year.

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.