This past Sunday we had a brief business meeting. If you missed it, here's a recap:
Financial Update: Bob mentioned that there will be a financial summary in early June that will be presented by Jason Zielke, one of our elders. He also asked the church to pray about summer giving. Each year, like many churches, Grace has experienced a slump in summer giving. We have so much momentum in new initiatives right now that we are praying we will have new or increased giving in order to keep the wind in our sails.
Branding Team Update: Kayla Tekus gave an update on Grace's branding team, which she has been leading since January. The branding team's goal is to create coherent language around who we are so that Grace can communicate to the community who we are and why we exist. The branding team has revamped Grace's social media, has created a more usable website, and is finalizing a messaging statement. The messaging statement (below) summarizes who we are and what our core commitments are. It is for internal use:
- We are a Christian church community invested in one other and the city around us.
- We offer a setting for open dialogue and authenticity through neighborhood-based community groups and a thoughtful Sunday service that considers all aspects of worship, distinctive music, a social coffee hour, and comprehensive children’s programming.
- Grace provides a space for active conversations around issues where faith intersects life while concurrently encouraging a unity in worship. We desire to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus, so that together we may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (based on Romans 15:5,6).
Summer Update: Caleb Schut provided an overview of summer activities to rousing
applause. He boldly projected growth during the summer months. Some of the summer events to look forward to are: Breakthrough's Hunger Walk on June 25th, Cubs game in July, Grace dinners with Vic and Tiffany, book groups, & Grace Summer Sausage Potluck June 12th. Email caleb@gracechicago.com if you have any questions or ideas for community events!
Consistory Update:Kathy Nyquist gave the church an update on the consistory nominations. Michael Demaray has been nominated for the position of elder. Jessica Hogue, Whitney Stewart, Kelsey Nelson, and Michael Molling were nominated for the position of deacon. A quick vote will be taken on June 5th and an installation service will follow on June 12th when guests from the General Synod will be visiting.
Kid's Update: Erin Rozendaal gave an update on our burgeoning children's ministries. More volunteers are needed! In particular, if you do not have children, please considering volunteering once/month. Our children are an important part of who we are. Email gracekids@gracechicago.com for more
information.