President's Message -
We here at Lord of Grace have so very much to be thankful for! God's blessings abound. We give thanks for this beautiful worship space. We give thanks for the music that surrounds us as we gather here. We give thanks for the sounds of young voices as they experience God's love here. We give thanks for the spiritual leadership of Pastor Randy during this interim period. We give thanks for the joy, hope, faith, gratefulness and generosity of each and every one of you here.
Your Council is listening to you. Comments from the various cottage meetings are filtering upward to us. Communication is always a concern; therefore, you will find a new article in the newsletter, Council Highlights. It's important for you to know the issues we are discussing and the actions we are taking. Also, please know that you are welcome to attend any Council meeting held on the 3rd Tuesday of the month, and Minutes of Council meetings are available in the office.
Our Mission Investment Sunday has passed and we will begin financial planning for 2026. There has been much “in the works” with the Transition Team and all the Lord of Grace ministries. including a review and definition of our existing ministries. Our budget will look a bit different in 2026 with no mortgage line item required. However, with the elimination of one responsibility (the mortgage) comes an even greater responsibility – expanding our mission experiences both within our Lord of Grace family and out into the greater Marana community.
More importantly, a new ministry for seniors is in the planning stage. Yes, our youth are important too and we need to hear from them as to how we can best use our resources to help them grow in faith.
There's an abundance here. There's an old church camp song “I am the church, you are the church, we are the church together.” There is also the visual “chURch” depicting just how much a part of God's church UR. Together we bring our unbounded gifts of blessings as the biblical good steward.
Following Thanksgiving we will be entering Advent, the season of preparation and expectation. The two are so intertwined here at Lord of Grace. We give thanks for all we have received today and everyday from our Lord which we can give back and share with others; we look forward in preparation and with expectation of what God has in store for us as we move forward in faith.
Blessings,
Betsy Boorse,
Council President