Office Announcements
Office Hours : Monday - Friday, 8:30 - 3:30
CLOSED THURSDAYS
-GUMC Worship Services will now be Live Streamed on Sunday's at 10:30AM until further notice at www.facebook.com/grinnellumc.
Bulletins, inserts, and prayer list can be found here.
- GUMC Re-Opening Team
Based on the recommendations of the task force and the results of the survey results, we will continue as we have been through July constantly reassessing what we can do in August.
- Check out our newsletter under the Resources tab for more information about all of our events and more
Blessed Community Meal Menu
Wednesday's @ 6 PM
This year and summer have been a bit different than we were all anticipating. Planning is pretty much out the window, but one thing you can plan on is the Blessed Community meal. We are here for you during the month of August; continuing with our meal pick up on Wednesday evenings from 6:00-6:30. If you are in need of a meal or know someone who is, please call the church office by 10:00am on Wednesday morning.
MENU:
Aug. 12: Smothered enchiladas/corn/tortilla chips
Aug. 19: Egg Casserole/biscuits/fruit
Aug. 26: Smoky Mountain Chicken/rice pilaf/green beans
Grinnell UMW Events
All UMW events are cancelled for August.
Youth Announcements
-ACES
Plans for next school year’s ACES are underway! As the landscape of COVID is constantly changing, our ACES leadership team is in communication with each other and our re-entry taskforce to determine what will best serve our congregation, families, and community. If you are a family with feedback for our team, please let us know. If you are interested in helping us lead classes, whether they are online or in-person, please contact Ashley. As always, please keep this team, our church, and community in your prayers as we navigate these times and changes. We look forward to keeping you updated with our plans as they come to fruition.
-Confirmation
This past month, our Confirmation leadership, youth, Faith friends, and families have been safely working, planning, and gathering as we are able to record portions of our Confirmation worship service to be aired on Facebook and Youtube on Sunday, August 2nd. On Friday, July 10th, we confirmed Joel Gregory Dressler and welcomed him with joy and love! On Sunday, July 12th, we confirmed Trenton Nicholas Turba and welcomed him with joy and love! At the time of writing this article, we had not yet recorded, but we had both Makaela Nicole Lloyd and Alyssa Rita Rubendall on the schedule. I look forward to Alyssa’s confirmation on Thursday, July 23rd and Makaela’s baptism and confirmation on Sunday, July 26th. Even amid these trying, difficult, and stressful times, we find times to celebrate. We find time and innovative and creative ways to be together for important and meaningful milestones. As we finish organizing, recording, and editing these final confirmation and baptism celebrations, I ask for your prayers. May we be able to truly find God’s presence, joy, and unending love within these. May we be able to be in worship even among these strange cameras and virtual ministry instruments. And, may you all know that this Confirmation ministry is a vital part of what we do in this congregation and community of God. Even though you may not be present with us physically, you have been with us; we have felt all of your prayers and support.Even while the current Confirmation class is yet in the process of officially being confirmed, we are looking forward to welcoming a new class of youth for the 2020-2021 Confirmation year. While we had all hoped that this school year might be one of less distancing and more resumed normalcy, we are beginning to organize a Confirmation year of engaging lessons, virtual field trips, and meaningful relationships even amidst the physical distancing and safety protocols we are all working through. I am excited for what this year will bring for our youth, teachers and faith friends. If you happen to catch any of these youth on a virtual call or venture outside, wave hello and give a shout: Foster Burkhead, Terran Gosselink, Harrison Laug, Kelci Rubendall, and Catherine Schubert.
-Senior High
Several months ago, we were able to celebrate with our High school seniors with a video and delivered brunch, but our annual Senior Sunday was delayed in hopes of being together in person. While we are not able to bring everyone together, we have been able to reschedule for August 9th, and bring a few seniors together to celebrate and send these youth and their peers off to their first year of their next steps. We invite you to join us for our livestream worship on Facebook and You tube at 10:30 on the 9th as we hear how the Holy Spirit has been working in their lives.
Committee Announcements
-Connections Committee
Connections Committee has been busy helping promote fellowship among our members!
We've been placing pink plastic flamingos in yards around town to let people know that others are thinking of them during this time of uncertainty. The flamingos are bringing smiles to people's faces and we want you to help us share the flamingo love! Do you know someone who could use a pick me up or a sign that we're thinking of them? Email Allison Haack at haacka23@gmail and we'll add them to our list of flamingo recipients.
Another fun way people are staying connected is through Gnomes on Facebook! Chris Bair and his daughter Liz have been carving adorable little gnomes and delivering them to church members. People are naming their gnomes and sharing photos of their fun activities on Facebook. If you'd like a gnome friend or know someone who would, email Chris Bair at baircr@grinnell.edu.
We may not be able to gather in person for a meal, but Jennifer Cogley and church staff are keeping the Blessed Community Wednesday meal going! Find the menu on the church website or Facebook page. Call the church office at 641-236-3757 to reserve your meal by Wednesdays at 10am. Meals can be picked at at the Park Street entrance between 6:00 and 6:30pm.
Do you have an idea of how we can be in Christian fellowship together from our own homes? Email Connections Committee chair, Allison Haack at haacka23@gmail.com.
District News
Read "Bishop Laurie Reflects on the 2020 Iowa Annual Conference" HERE
COMMUNITY NEWS
-Grinnell Food Coalition is working at getting grocery vouchers to individuals and families
that have recently experienced a change in job, finances, etc. due to COVID-19 or were
previously food insecure. If you or someone you know is in need you can contact them at
localresources@ahrensfamilyfoundation.org or 641-236-5518 ext. 109.
For more information see the attached pdf
or visit their website https://ahrensfamilyfoundation.org/local-resources/