MESSAGE FROM PASTOR SUSAN BECK
Welcome to Grace on this Twenty-second Sunday after Pentecost.
Jesus’ summary of the law in today’s gospel echoes our first reading from Leviticus. We are called not only to love God with heart, soul, and mind, but also to love our neighbor as ourselves. It is out of such deep care that Paul shares the gospel with the Thessalonian community. In the confession of sins, we acknowledge that we have not loved God, neighbor, and self; yet we gather to hear the word of forgiveness and to be strengthened by word and meal to be signs of God’s love and mercy in the world.

2027 PLEDGES

As we look ahead to the coming year, you're invited to prayerfully consider how you will support the ministry we share together. Financial gifts make possible not only the worship that happens here on Sunday mornings, but also our outreach, care for one another, and our witness to the wider community.

Over the following weeks, pledge sheets are available for everyone who is in worship. The pledge sheet is also attached to our midweek announcements for those who would prefer to complete it at home.

A pledge is simply a commitment of what you hope to give in the coming year. It’s not a contract, and it’s not about giving a particular amount—it’s an opportunity to prayerfully consider how God is calling you to share your gifts with this community.

Once you’ve completed your pledge sheet, you can place it in the offering plate on Sunday or mail it to the church. We invite everyone to take some time to pray for Grace's ministry and the ways we can sustainably move ahead in the coming year.

Thank you for all the ways you give of your time, your talents, and your resources to make Grace a community of faith.

2026 ELECTION EVE CANDLELIGHT VIGIL

On the evening before the mid-term election, all are invited to help shine a light for democracy, peace and hope at Grace. Anchored by houses of worship across the city, these positive, non-partisan vigils are open to all people and all ages. 

Come to Grace on November 2 from 5:30-6:30 PM to pray for our nation. There will be a moment of silence at 6:00 PM. You are invited to bring a candle (real or battery operated) and a non-partisan sign expressing hope and peace. Feel free to invite a friend or family member along as the nation prepares to exercise its democratic freedom by voting.

ALL SAINTS DAY AT GRACE

On November 1, we will remember all the saints who have died in the hope of the Resurrection. You are invited to email names of loved ones who have died in the last year to Pastor Carolyn (car.sei.law@gmail.com) or you can write their names on the sheet next to the guest book in the sanctuary narthex.

GRACE BIBLE STUDY MEETS ON-LINE WEDNESDAYS @ 7 PM

Please join us for Bible study Wednesday evenings. We are looking at the Book of Isaiah for this year. Contact Marylou Gjernes with any questions and To get the on-line linkmgjernes @earthlink.netor 301-822-4711. In addition, Pastor Carolyn Lawrence will be leading the Bible study starting October 28.

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

Today we welcome Pastor Susan Beck to our pulpit. She is with the Community of St. Dysmas. We look forward to learning more about that community and its mission. Welcome Pastor Beck.

Last Sunday night we enjoyed the Aria Club’s presentation of The Magic Flute. So many of our members were involved in the production. Thank you, Jeannie Carter, the director of the Aria Club, for giving us the opportunity to host and to participate in just a fine production. 

Now that the seasons have changed and it is getting cooler, we have converted to heating. Crockett, our heating and cooling service, made the conversion on Wednesday and Thursday.

Yesterday was a busy one here at a Grace. Our Yard Sale was big success and thank you to everyone who helped set up, meet the customers and then clean up. Then I the afternoon, the Amazing Life Games held a Family Fun Day in the courtyard and the playground. It was great to see so much activity and community involvement.

Next Sunday, November 1, is All Saints Day. It is our tradition to remember the family and friends who have passed in the last 12 months.  Please give any names to Pastor Carolyn or to Mesfin so they can be properly remembered.

Today, one of our soprano soloists, Pam Buie is leaving. She graduated from nursing school, and has accepted a position out of the city. Pam, you will always have a home here. Keep in touch and congratulations on beginning a wonderful career of service. There will be a small reception for Pam following the worship today.

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.