Grace

The 4-S Experience:
Who?All Youth of Grace Covenant Church & Their Friends
When?Saturday, August 9th at 10am until Sunday, August 10th at noon
Where?A Retreat at the Chismans-
What?A weekend of camping, games, activities and worship
Why?To see God and each other differently
What to know:
The cost is nothing, but we need your RSVP by August 3 and permission form when we leave.
We will be CAMPING, so be prepared (look at the list below!).
Parents: we will be back by noon on Sunday, so pick your students up after church.

TAKE:
Change of clothes (pack for the weather and overnight)
Washcloth and hand towel
Basic toiletries
Rain Gear
Bug Spray, Suntan Lotion
Flashlight
Pillow and Sleeping Bag
Water bottle
Tennis Shoes
Bible/Journal and pen
Any medications

DON’T TAKE:
Cell Phone
Ipod/MP3 player or other electronic device
Fireworks, knives, anything else bad (you know what we mean)

The Scripture readings for Sunday, July 27, will be Hosea 11 and Luke 6:32-36. Rev. Amanda Olson will be preaching with a sermon titled ‘Nice is Not Enough’.

Justice with Grace will meet this Sunday downstairs in the fellowship hall following our worship service. We plan to meet again with a small group from Iglesia del Pacto, our Spanish speaking sister congregation. Even if you haven’t attended a meeting in the past, please feel free to join us.

Wander down to Leona’s at 3877 N Elston after church on August 3rd and mingle with others from Grace while you enjoy the food. Doors open at 12 noon. This will be an opportunity to meet the people who are currently just familiar faces (like the folks who sit on the other side of the aisle!) and to catch up with friends. If you are looking for a way to burn off some of your calories, it is an easy walk from the church.

Our sister congregation, Iglesia del Pacto Grace, is hosting a Vacation Bible School, August 4-8, and is looking for volunteers. No Spanish speaking skills are necessary. The volunteers would need to be present from 5 to 8 pm. Let Pastor Ryan know if you are interested in helping.

Youth and Parents: We leave Saturday, August 9 at 10am and return on Sunday, August 10 at noon. There is a lot more information coming your way: check the website or talk with Jesse or Pastor Ryan for all the information.

Yes, we thought Lisa, Ayak and Richard were coming in July, but the whole family (including John) was required to get DNA samples before visas were issued – at $750. each!! That is done and John has been told the final interview will be scheduled end of August. Please pray that this process is expedited. Both John and his daughter Ayak are US citizens and John has followed the rules carefully. Also pray for relief for John from lingering neck pain from an injury last year.

PS – Also remember in prayer the many Sudanese who have been approved but are not being granted visas because of tightening immigration policies. John was eager for me to realize that he just has to wait, but many others have little hope.

The Scripture readings for Sunday, July 20, will be Exodus 34:1-7 and James 5:7-11. Rev. Ryan Johnson will be preaching with a sermon titled ‘The Best Days Go Slowest’.

All are invited to gather front and center on the lawn at Millennium Park, Saturday, July 19th. Bring a picnic dinner and join us at 6:30. The concert starts at 7:30. The music and the city ambience are free. Contact Jan Huber (773-583-8461 or huber-janice@sbcglobal.net) about carpooling.

We help support our local food pantry in the summer with a school supplies drive. They can use things such as: loose leaf notebook paper, spiral notebooks, 2-pocket folders, pens, pencils, markers, crayons, etc. All cash donations will be used to purchase additional school supplies. There will be a box for your donations just inside the front doors of the building.