Grace's Blog 2025
November 6, 2025
Transformed
I’m blown away!!!! No, not by the wind during the transition months of fall but by the generosity of a congregation and a community that embraced our Transforming Inside and Out campaign. Planning for this campaign began in November of 2021 in the fellowship hall at church with our entire church staff, campaign chairs, key campaign leaders for various areas, our vision board and our generosity coach. I remember that day well. The vision discussion about our building and how it needed to evolve and how we hoped and prayed that it could evolve into a space that welcomes all. There were so many things we wanted to accomplish with this project and even more that had to be accomplished. The dreams were extensive, and we set a goal for our team to work toward a million dollars in contributions towards the project. I remember thinking a million dollars….whoa….but the Lord provided….and then some!!!
Thanks to all of you, through October 31st, 2025, we have raised a grand total of $1,705,388.14! This is generosity above and beyond all our expectations that allowed us to add back in additional projects of fellowship hall lighting, narthex lighting and carpet updates, addition of a dishwasher in our narthex, updating our sacristy with new counters, revitalized cupboards and new carpeting, new exterior signage on our building, coverage of payments towards our new mortgage and additional gifts to ministries to name a few. The Transforming Inside and Out Campaign crew and all of the generations to come after us cannot thank you enough for the investment that you’ve made in our building to support Grace’s various ministries that impact our community and beyond!
Finally, while I can give the number above that details the financial giving of this campaign and thank you for that, it is impossible to put into words the personal and collective impact of a campaign that was never only about the funds given. There is celebration in the transformation process in each of you throughout the campaign as well as the acknowledgement that transformation is a lifelong process. Never forget the importance of this piece of the journey and know that your stories, your growth shared and your experiences during this campaign will forever live in my heart with an eye looking forward to how the Lord will continue to provide….and then some!
Blessings,
Tracie Russell
Transforming Co-Chair Signing off!
October 30, 2025
Lessons from Worshiping with Minions
Last night, I got to sit with the minions in worship (pictured above).
It started simply—one child from our Studio 45 and Kids Night Out group sitting alone after our trunk-or-treat event. I joined her. Then I stepped away to help in the back, and when I returned, I found myself surrounded by a whole row of little minions. Their leaders were serving elsewhere, and I wondered what I’d gotten myself into.
When we were invited to stand and sing, the kids hesitated. Costumes needed adjusting, toys were distracting, friends were whispering. But after watching me stand, they followed. And then they sang—loud, joyful, and beautiful. When Pastor Maria asked questions during her sermon, every little hand shot up. They were some of the best pew mates I’ve ever had (though Pastor Maria, my usual companion, is pretty wonderful too). When we announced they’d won first place for best trunk, their excitement was contagious.
I noticed visitors in the congregation and felt a momentary worry. What do they think of all these kids in costumes, these dressed-up adults and pastors? Did they find it delightful or inappropriate?
Then during our generosity moment, I asked: “Why do you give to this church?”
One minion shouted at the top of her lungs: “BECAUSE THIS CHURCH IS AWESOME!”
In that moment, it didn’t matter what anyone else thought. I knew—what we’re doing at Grace Lutheran is blessed by God.
I love being a church where kids can worship as themselves. I love that our children see this as a community that listens to them and welcomes them as they grow in faith. I didn’t grow up wearing Halloween costumes to church. I suspect it would have been frowned upon, even though my church leaders were kind. We simply weren’t there as a community yet.
But worshiping after trunk-or-treat? That’s one of the biggest treats of my year. Singing of God’s love and grace alongside kids dressed as minions and superheroes and princesses—that’s joy. My hope is that we can all bring our truest selves here, because this is where we learn about God, and being our truest selves is exactly who God invites us to be.
Thanks be to God! This place really is awesome.
Blessings,
Pastor Joanna Mitchell
October 23,2025
When It’s Quiet
The last month has been a whirlwind. Fall is always busy in the church, and we have had a jam-packed schedule. Pet blessings, First Communion, New Members, Bible Studies, the launching of our Strategic Dream team, and more. Not to mention that my daughter had surgery, which made my own personal life feel a bit out of control. I am really good at checking things off the list and getting things done. But then the quiet comes, and along with that, the feelings. It is easy in the quiet to listen to the voice of insecurity that tells me I need to do more or be more. The voice that invites fear of the worst-case scenario can fill my thoughts.
Nadia Bolz-Weber names this voice of fear and doubt the devil and all his empty promises that we renounce in our baptismal promises. We don’t need to listen to that voice, and instead we can boldly proclaim, “No! That’s not the truth.” And so when it is quiet, this is when I try to listen to the voice of God. A voice that often comes like a whisper but doesn’t tell me I need to do more, but instead says, “Be.” “Be still, Joanna.” “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). The voice that announces in our baptism, “You are my beloved; in you I am well pleased.” A voice that reminds me I am made in God’s good image. Genesis 1. This is the voice I try so hard to listen to when I am quiet, even though it’s hard to hear.
In 1 Kings 19, the prophet Elijah is desperate. He is exhausted and wanting to give up. God continues to ask him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” Elijah announces all that he has done for the Lord. And then he looks out over the side of the mountain, seeing a fire, and a rush of wind. All of these natural elements are destroying the world around him. But Elijah knows enough to recognize that God is not in any of that. Instead, it is in the sheer silence, that God comes. It is in the quiet that Elijah hears the voice of God asking yet again, “What are you doing here?”
How would you respond to this question from our God? What are you doing here? Would you have a long list of things you are doing, proving to yourself and God your worthiness and faithfulness? Or might you just sit in the silence for a moment and listen for God’s answer to you?
I invite you to spend five minutes sitting in the quiet. When the voice of doubt or fear enters your head, kindly dismiss it and perhaps instead respond, “I’m listening for the voice of God to remind me of who I am. I am listening, God, for you to remind me that I am loved and forgiven. I am listening for the ways you are inviting me to live in hope and love. I am listening for you.” And then listen and let God’s promise and peace fill you up in the quiet reminding you of your belovedness.
Blessings,
Pastor Joanna Mitchell
The Examen
Sit comfortably, feet grounded. Take three deep breaths.
Pray: “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you and lead me along the path of everlasting life.” —Psalm 139:23–24
Become aware of God’s presence and give thanks for God’s love for you.
Ask God to help you remember your day.
Review your day: recall moments and feelings. Where did you sense God’s presence?
When were you drawn closer to God? Give thanks.
When were you further away? Ask forgiveness.
Looking ahead, ask how you might walk more closely with God in the days to come.
Close by praying the Lord’s Prayer.
October 16, 2025
Practicing God’s Presence with the Examen
At our Graceful Seniors gathering this week, we reflected on where we’ve experienced God throughout our lives. Some shared stories of sensing God through a friend or a near-death experience; others spoke of God’s constant, faithful presence through every season. We talked about how faith isn’t just the big “mountaintop” moments but the daily walk with God—especially in a world that feels like Times Square or the Vegas Strip, full of flashing distractions. How do we stay mindful of God amid all the noise?
So, we practiced.
I shared two favorite images for practicing God’s presence:
We are like a plastic bottle floating in the ocean—filled with water and surrounded by it. Just as the bottle can’t separate itself from the sea, we are always full of and surrounded by God. Practicing helps us notice this truth.
And practice is like going to the spiritual gym—exercising our awareness of God through prayer, reflection, conversation, and gratitude.
Here’s the practice we did together, called the Examen—an ancient way of noticing God in our daily lives.
Blessings, Pastor Maria
October 9, 2025
Being Curious
Our Strategic Dream Team kicked off last night. This team will be meeting over this next year to listen to God, one another, our church community, and our neighbors to discern what God is inviting us to do over the next few years. Our meeting consisted of getting to know one another and also spending time in scripture. We read John 4, often referred to as the woman at the well. Click here to read the text too.
One of the things that I notice in this text is how many questions the woman has for Jesus. She engages him deeply in conversation, trying to understand what separates them and what they have in common. Jesus’ answers are harder to understand, but he points to a future that is not this or that, but new, reformed: a time when we will worship together, a time when we will have living waters and won’t have to keep coming to the well to be refreshed.
What if we approached one another with the same curiosity as this woman? As we meet new people, what if we wondered: what is God up to in their lives? How might we hold firm to our own beliefs, as she does, and also have an openness to learn more from each other?
Her questions lead Jesus to invite her to these life-giving waters, and after her encounter with him, she leaves her bucket behind to reach out to all people to come and see for themselves a man who knows everything about her—who must be the Savior of the world.
In this lifetime we get glimpses of God within our neighbor, and God within ourselves. I hope we might follow this woman’s example in not allowing assumptions to get in the way of our ability to really see someone. May we be daring and curious, for in these interactions we experience the fullness of God.
Blessings,
Pastor Joanna Mitchell
October 2, 2025
Praying Together
When I meet with people, I often ask: How can I pray for you? This sometimes shifts the conversation and moves it from catching up to something more profound. At times people share about health concerns, or about their worries about the world. Other times I learn about family members. Sometimes people ask the same question back to me. After this discussion, we often settle into our chairs, breathe deeply and pray. It is truly sacred time.
I wonder if we could do this a little more—not just in pastoral visits, but in everyday moments.
Our staff has embraced this practice. Every week we pray together. We pray for requests that come in, and anything shared with us during the week at church. We share our own concerns. Typically, we spend at least 15 minutes in discussion and prayer because we believe that prayer changes things. It changes us, it changes our hearts and our community, and it is a way we connect with God and with each other.
People of Grace, how can I pray for you today?
Blessings,
Pastor Joanna Mitchell
September 25, 2025
Overwhelmed with Gratitude
While we may have officially finished our building project last year, the truth is that it has continued. Little improvements have been happening all year long—from the sacristy getting new countertops (thank you, Harold) to having them painted (thank you, GRAMPS), to new carpet being installed (thank you, building team), to the addition of a new playground for Seeds of Grace.
Last week was a perfect example of our people’s generosity. The assembly of the Seeds of Grace playground equipment was bigger and more involved than any of us anticipated. And yet, people showed up with positive attitudes and a willingness to serve, and they kept going even when a one-day project turned into much more. This gift of time and effort does not go unnoticed. I know the Seeds of Grace staff was overwhelmed with gratitude, and I am too.
I see this all the time at Grace—people giving above and beyond anything I ever imagined. You give in service, as I mentioned, and also in hospitality. I see this countless times with our funeral team, and I experienced it again this week when someone asked to host a visitation during an evening when something else was already scheduled. The team leader graciously gave up the space to make room for someone else. Generosity abounds.
Grace Lutheran, in a world that can often seem inwardly focused, I see you consistently turning outward in service and care for others. Thank you for being examples of God’s generous spirit living among us today.
I hope that today, as you look around, you too will be overwhelmed by the generosity of others. This is the good our world needs.
Blessings,
Pastor Joanna Mitchell
September 18, 2025
God’s Work. Our Hands. – A Day of Impact and Generosity
This past Sunday, the Grace community came together in an inspiring way to live out our call to serve during God’s Work. Our Hands. More than 100 volunteers, along with the Scouts from Troop 414, took part in a wide variety of service projects—both here at Grace and throughout our local community.
At the church, volunteers tied quilts, prepared meals for those in need, and took on several indoor projects. Out in the community, we provided music for seniors at a nearby facility, refreshed the grounds at Sand Creek Elementary, did yardwork for Arden and Shirley Kirkendall, and spread mulch at the Stepping Stone Emergency Shelter in Anoka. One group led a “Neighborhood Walk” in the area around Grace as part of our Faith Practices Neighboring Practices ministry. Meanwhile, our Scout Troop cut and stacked firewood at Elevate Hope House in Ham Lake.
It was a powerful day of service, made possible by the generosity and dedication of each one of you. Thank you to everyone who volunteered, and special thanks to those who prepared and served our celebration lunch, brought desserts, or helped with setup and cleanup. Your efforts—both big and small—helped make this day a meaningful expression of our shared faith.
At Grace, outreach has always been at the heart of our identity. God has been so generous to us, and you showed that same generosity to others this Sunday. Thank you for being a blessing through the work of your hands, and for being the hands and feet of Christ in the world.
With gratitude,
Scott Christensen
Volunteer Director of Outreach Ministry
September 11, 2025
FAITH PRACTICES AND NEIGHBORING PRACTICES
Starting Sun., Sept. 14 at 6:30pm
I was in 5th grade when 9/11 shocked our nation. My parents took me to the Metrodome the following day for a prayer service. This was a meaningful practice for us after having experienced something so scary. I often lament we don’t have physical things like rosaries to hold during difficult times. But what I have learned throughout my life is that practices and rituals, like prayer and worship, help me to make sense of my faith, the world, and my faith in the world. Prayer and worship are but two out of an infinity of practice possibilities that can help us grow in faith and in neighboring.
Have you ever desired to grow in your faith, but didn’t know where to begin? Or how new a faith practice might fit into your already busy schedule? Have you ever wondered how you might become a better neighbor? Or how we as a church might positively impact the community we are in? What would happen if Grace wasn’t at the corner of Round Lake and Bunker Blvd?
These are some of the questions we hope to wrestle with in Grace’s FAITH PRACTICES AND NEIGHBORING PRACTICES. You may recognize the name. Nancy Jenkins, Mike Schaaf, Anne Weikle, Tyler Gustafson and I have been learning the last two years with other churches from the Minneapolis Area Synod of the ELCA about Faith and Neighboring and we want to share what we have learned with all of you!!!!! Ask any of us and we would say this perspective shift has changed our life and our faith in ways we couldn’t have imagined. The commitment was small and the payoff was huge!
We will be meeting once a month on Sunday Evenings and at each session we will explore a new faith practice and neighboring practice. And as our congregation begins to dream together about where God is leading and where God is at work- this practice will help ground us in faith and neighboring! We hope that you will consider joining us on the second Sunday of each month at 6:30, starting this Sunday, September 14th at 6:30pm or come at 6:15 for snacks!
Schedule
September 14
October 12
November 9
December SKIP
January 11
February 8
March 8
April 12
May 10
If you have more questions or want to give it a try, join Nancy Jenkins on Sunday morning for a neighborhood walk, a part of our God’s Work Our Hands service Sunday! Register by clicking the button below.
Blessings,
Pastor Maria Markman
September 4, 2025
New Season, New Dreams…
Pastor Maria and I chose this theme of dreams months ago, as we anticipated launching our strategic dream team this fall. “Dream with us,” we thought. It was our hope. But over time the theme morphed to this: “New Season, New Dreams.”
We are beginning our new program year and are excited about the new opportunities in front of us, and we are starting a time of long-range planning and dreaming. But what I hadn’t thought about was that I would be entering a new season of life: the empty-nest season.
Don’t worry, I saw it coming. I knew the empty nest was approaching. I just didn’t know what it would mean (to be frank, I still don’t). But when we got home after dropping Lily off in Madison and saying goodbye to her sister as well (who is now a senior), our house felt different. I wasn’t sobbing as I walked from room to room, but I was aware in a new way that there was a different energy in the house. Jeff and I were back to just the two of us. It’s been 22 years since we lived alone. It’s weird. It’s not bad. It’s just different. No one is coming home at night. No one is waking up the dogs. No one needs to be reminded to clean their room, or put their stuff away.
My to-do list of things for us is growing in my head. I have started to wonder what the next year, or three or five will look like for us. What improvements do we want to make on the house? What adventures do we want to go on? Who will we invite along?
I know many of you have already gone through this and have warned me. But you can’t really prepare. Nevertheless, I am aware that with these new seasons of life, both in the church and in our home, there is an opportunity to re-evaluate, to wonder, to hope, to dream.
I hope that you will join us at Grace as we do this together as a family of faith. And I hope that those of you who are experiencing transitions—perhaps the empty nest, or maybe a new career, or a new home—that you will take this opportunity to reflect, to dream, and to wonder what God is calling you to do now.
Blessings,
Pastor Joanna Mitchell
August 28, 2025
Giving Thanks!
Many years ago, Amy Grant sang a song titled “Angels” about how a “reckless car ran out of gas before it ran my way.” Often, I don’t realize all the things I should be thankful for, even things that didn’t happen to me. In this same way, one of the things I didn’t give thanks for last year was that we had very few funerals at Grace during our building construction project.
Already this year we have had 10 funerals at Grace, which is more than average for an entire year. While that number may not sound like a lot, the funerals have tended to come in bunches. For example, we have had 4 funerals at Grace since mid-July. This has required the assistance of so many faithful volunteers at Grace to:
• Bake cookies and bars
• Prepare and serve the food
• Clean up the tables and kitchen afterwards
• Set up and put away tables and chairs in the Fellowship Hall
• Wash the tablecloths and other linens
• Show up with compassion, care and generosity
My favorite part of the Funeral Ministry is connecting with the family. Often, after the funeral reception, family members will share with volunteers, pastors and staff how much they appreciated the service and the luncheon. They are truly grateful for the hospitality our church community has extended. Many families also mail thank you notes to the church to express their gratitude.
And so, on behalf of Ann Lange and Low Jackson, co-leaders of the Funeral Ministry, THANK YOU to each and every one of you who has volunteered this year as part of our Funeral Ministry. We are truly grateful for your gifts of time, energy and hospitality!
Nancy Jenkins, Volunteer
August 21, 2025
Remembering Mom
My mom would have been 80 today (Wednesday, August 20th). We celebrated almost all of her birthdays together. As the family members who lived in-state, I was usually in charge of getting her cake.
One year, I decided to make the cake myself. For the life of me, I could not get it out of the pans. Being me, I persisted anyway and ended up frosting it while it was still too warm. The result was chunky, lopsided, and honestly the ugliest birthday cake EVER. Mom laughed so hard when she saw it—and then admitted it was still delicious.
I’ve searched through all my photos for a picture of that disaster cake, but none exist, at least not on my personal drives. And so now that ugly birthday cake lives only in my memories, which feels fitting somehow. My mom lives in my memories and in the stories we share about her. I remember her smile, her laugh, the way she would say my name when I called. I remember telling her she was SO OLD when she turned 50—and I laugh at that memory now as I’m only a year and a half away from 50 myself.
There are things I didn’t know about my mom that I’ve learned since her death: how she held our family together, how deeply she and my dad loved each other. Her strength and love for our family is missed and felt especially today as I remember and celebrate her life.
My sister was with her for her last birthday. We took family photos—which everyone complained about at the time, but now I’m so grateful I insisted. We were laughing together, celebrating.
I recognize now the sacredness of these moments. At the time, they just feel like life, the ordinary things you do to mark occasions. But when that person is gone, you’re so grateful you showed up, put in the effort, and created those memories.
I don’t know who you’re remembering today, but I hope as you go through life, you pause to give thanks, to remember, and to feel the love of those who have gone before us surrounding you.
What a gift life is.
Blessings,
Pastor Joanna Mitchell
August 14, 2025
What do you know about our church?
What do you know about our church? If asked to share about your church, you might begin to describe Grace, its people and worship, the things we value and believe, the outreach and service we are involved with in the community and the world, you may even share that we are a Lutheran church. Because we are congregational in style, it can be easy to forget that we are a part of something bigger! Grace Lutheran Church is a congregation in the Rum River Conference of the Minneapolis Area Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. We are church together and our Church, the whole Church in its many different forms, is doing amazing things in Jesus’ name!
Did you know that the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) has only been around since 1988? Did you know that we are the largest Lutheran denomination in the United States? There are 65 different synods and over 8,500 congregations? Did you know that as a church we function in three different expressions: the Churchwide office, synod offices, and congregations? Each expression has specific roles and functions.
We know a lot about the congregational expression and even synodical, but what about Churchwide? Well, I got a crash course in Phoenix! As a voting member of the Churchwide Assembly I got to learn and worship and vote on church business. It was an exciting week in Phoenix, AZ. For a day by day recap written by Minneapolis Assistant to the Bishop Nick Tangen follow this link.
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August 7, 2025
Summer Festival Camp!
It has been a busy summer of travelling for me this year! I am now home from my final trip of the summer, and I am so grateful to be able to get back into something resembling a routine. I am also very grateful for these opportunities to travel! We have an absolutely incredible group of youth here at Grace. One of my favorite trips every year is to Summer Festival Camp, which happens over at Gustavus Adolphus College (my alma mater!) Here are some of the highlights of the camp, including meaningful worship, sardines hide-and-seek in the Education building, ice cream at every (and I mean EVERY) meal, and an epic food fight with oatmeal!
Will Weikle
July 31, 2025
We Have a New Bishop!
Pastor Maria is away at the churchwide assembly this week. It was an opportunity I had back in 2016. It happens every 4 years and is a wonderful time to do the work of the larger church. To be honest, I am not always the best about talking about the larger church. It is easy to be focused on the ministry that I see day in and day out here in Andover and the surrounding area. But the reality is we are part of a larger church body and together we can make a bigger difference in the world. I hope when Pastor Maria returns from the Assembly and from vacation, she will share a little bit about her experience with all of you.
But for now, I wanted to share the good news that we have a new Bishop of the ELCA Church. I hope that you will pray for newly elected Bishop Yehiel Curry.
Speaking to the ELCA Churchwide Assembly after his election as presiding bishop today, Yehiel Curry reflected on his first ministry role as a lay mission developer of Shekinah Chapel in Riverdale, Ill. “I’m what a return on your investment looks like,” he said. “Perhaps I’m out there in one of you. I never saw myself as good enough, so for two years, I said no. I finally said yes. When I said yes, your support, this church’s support, of that ministry meant everything. So, if you want to know what your benevolence dollars look like, it looks like me. And I want to say thank you. Thank you for your investment.”
Please join me in praying for him.
Ever-living God, strengthen and sustain Bishop-elect Curry, that with patience and understanding he may love and care for your people. Grant that together we may follow in the way of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
I also invite you to pray for our current Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton as she completes her term serving and makes this significant transition. Please pray for all those at churchwide and the work they are doing.
Blessings,
Pastor Joanna Mitchell
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July 17, 2025
A Slower Pace
My summer has been a whirlwind so far. It’s nice to not be in the midst of a building project, feeling like I need to be at the church for weekly updates and to address problems as they arrive. But I have also been gone a lot—one nice long vacation, and then last week I ended up in the Boundary Waters with our youth.
We have a fantastic group of youth at our church. When I was given the opportunity to step in, I really didn’t hesitate because I love our kids. They are funny, unique, genuinely themselves, and they are compassionate and faithful. I love their questions, I love their honesty, I love being with them. I also love that this particular group of kids that I was with in the Boundary Waters enjoy slowing down. They didn’t have big agendas other than to have fun and embrace the day. Sleeping late, playing cards, or just chillin’—this was an option. I am not used to this! Probably because I am not a “chillin'” type of person.
Our last full day in the BWCA was spent doing just that: chillin’. We swam a little, talked to two snapping turtles we called Carl and Dorothy, played cards, explored the land, ate food, and laughed a lot.
Getting away from the office for this week was an unexpected gift that I didn’t know I needed. It helped me to relax, to connect with our kids, and also with God. I recognized that I am better at a slower pace.
Of course, I got back and jumped right back into the fast pace of life, but I am recognizing now that I need to move the tempo back. I need to slow down, recognizing that God invites us not into a life at breakneck speeds, or even just a steady run, but to meander, to pop our head out of the water like Carl the turtle did for us, to slow down, say hi—and just stop and enjoy the moment.
Perhaps you can join me in doing this? Perhaps we can all follow God’s lead in stopping along the path to listen, to learn, and to connect.
Blessings, Pastor Joanna
July 10, 2025
Never Have I Ever…
Never have I ever had so many folks discussing a piece of art in a sanctuary before our current piece of art behind the altar. AND I LOVE IT! Actually, the last time an image created such a stir was when we had moved a piece of art from one wall to another. This piece was also a representation of the “Last Supper.”
The truth is I know very little about this particular piece of art. When we share pieces of art in worship often we know the artist and they have shared their own ideas behind why they created the way they did, what in the biblical story sparked their imagination? This piece however is like a game of telephone. It was originally purchased for a congregation in St. Paul. However after a building renovation, they were no longer in need of the art that hung in their old building. They posted online that they would be giving away these pieces, “first come, first serve.” Pastor Joanna was one of the first to arrive and she brought to Grace the beautiful light burst painting that hung after Easter. Pastor Kristen Capel of Nokomis Heights Lutheran Church got the piece that now hangs in our sanctuary and has allowed us to borrow it for this season. Because of its circuitous path to us, I didn’t know whose art it was or even if it is intended to be “The Last Supper.” Could it be the heavenly banquet? Or another meal or festival? What ethnicity is the artist? How had their culture influenced the way they painted or the story the painting tells?
A quick google image search and I learned it is in fact “The Last Supper” or El Sagrado Alimento (sacred food). The original oil painting by Guatemalan artist Angelina Quic Ixtamer. She doesn’t craft like the other women in her village using fabric and textiles, but learned oil painting from her husband. She uses the “bird’s eye view” perspective in her work after viewing a town from above on a hike. She often sends her husband on the roof to take pictures for her to paint from. Her art is a celebration of her people and their culture and she creates to preserve the love of the land and her culture.
Art does this! It sparks our imagination. Suddenly we are wondering, “Was there watermelon at the last supper?” “Who is that character who is turned away?” “Why is there an empty seat at the table?” You might imagine yourself in the scene or it may bring memories of your own home and filled tables. How do you experience “The Last Supper” because you cannot get this image out of your head? Do you hear the story differently? Smell? See? Taste? Feel?
Blessings,
Pastor Maria Markman
July 3, 2025
Sharing our Gifts
This past January, I got an email from Dan Close (Pictured above) who after attending our Christmas Eve worship felt inspired by our new space to offer up an idea. He enjoys making stained glass and wondered if this might be something he could do for our updated sanctuary at Grace.
It had been part of our vision to include some stained glass in our windows but we hadn’t worked out the details or the budget. So this was an easy yes! Dan met with me and a small team to put together this work of art- using liturgical colors and geometric shapes, allowing light to shine through the colorful glass giving warmth to our sanctuary.
Dan wrote this about the 4 panels he created:
your selection of colors was very thoughtful and interesting, and they blend together harmoniously. The way the light will refract and reflect through the various colors of glass will cast colorful patterns and add a unique ambiance to the atmosphere in the sanctuary.
At Grace we consistently talk about God’s generosity. We are all members of the body of Christ and all have gifts to share and give.
Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 12:4 There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. 5 There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. 6 There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.
God generously pours out love, compassion, and a variety of gifts and skills. I am so thankful to Dan for his willingness to reach out and sharing his gifts with all of us at Grace. I hope you will stop by and see our new windows. They are beautiful! I also give thanks for the diversity of gifts at Grace and for all the ways that you use them.
Blessings,
Pastor Joanna Mitchell
June 26, 2025
Practice of Walking & Giving Thanks for God’s Creation
Grace friends-
I walk or run most days. Chandler needs it and so do I. I’ve even started wearing a weighted pack sometimes, but I never walk slowly. Noticing my heel strike and feeling each part of my foot as I roll to the toes. Today on the second half of my morning walk, I chose not to listen to a book or podcast or music. Even that I rarely do anymore. I get frustrated when a neighbor walks past and wants to talk. Don’t you know I am at a really great spot in the story I am listening to, I think to myself as I take out an ear bud and ask, “what?” I realize not every walk can be slow and meditative, but not all walks are about setting records either!
We began our staff meeting this week with a walking practice. We are reading Barbara Brown Taylor’s book An Altar in the World, and each chapter introduces a new practice that can open up one’s experience of the sacred. All of these practices are simple and require nothing. Practices like walking, praying, seeing and paying attention, even the practice of saying no. This book study has been so life giving for me. And our staff meeting walk was too! I said, “since this week’s chapter was the practice of walking on the Earth, I say we practice. Everyone we have 5 minutes. You can stay inside or go outside, you can wear shoes or not. And when the 5 minutes are up we’ll talk about it!
We all started in different ways. Some anxiously unsure of what others would do. Others starting their timers to ensure they’d be back on time. Others enthusiastically running outside leaving her shoes in her wake… I will let you guess which one I was!
Upon return, no one wanted to go back inside for our staff meeting. We all had just met with the divine, sun on our face, wind in our hair, a bird song in our ears, and God in our heart. But we did go back inside and we discussed all that we experienced, giving thanks for the diversity of God’s creation, and each of our bodies that allowed us to enter into this practice. We discussed how our time might have been different if we didn’t set a time limit. And what a gift to notice things we never had before, the pine trees on our property, the wind chimes, children, birds, and garbage trucks, the difference between the new grass and the old grass, the sun on each others faces and our gorgeous Grace gardens!
I invite you to walk or roll or sit. Go outside, set your timer for 5 minutes or longer if you want (it will zoom by I promise) and communion with God.
Blessings on your practice,
Pastor Maria Markman
June 19, 2025
Witness to Peace
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:7
Our community continues to mourn and process the disturbing violence targeted at local elected officials this past weekend. We grieve and pray for the family, friends, and colleagues of Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, and pray for healing for Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette. We give thanks for the leaders, law enforcement officers, and community members who worked together to apprehend the shooter. And we continue to pray for our neighborhoods, our communities, our congregations, and the ripple effects: officers and first responders, investigators, medical teams, civil servants and elected leaders, reporters, frightened neighbors, those already weighed down by anxiety, and kids feeling the stress.
While the violence unleashed in Champlin and Brooklyn Park over the weekend is uniquely painful for Minnesotans, we know that the traumatic impacts of violence are being felt around our world. Our partner church, the Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria, is grieving the death more than 100 villagers in north-central Nigeria who were killed over the weekend in disputes over land and water rights. War and devastating violence continue in Gaza, and this week Israel and Iran exchanged bombings that killed dozens on both sides. And, today (June 17) as a church we commemorate the martyrdom of the Emanuel Nine – the individuals murdered during a bible study at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina ten years ago. The pain and grief of violence is unfortunately an all-too-familiar and global experience.
When violence of any kind strikes so close to home, it can be jarring and unsettling, prompting us to reevaluate the state of our world, our communities, and our role within them. It can leave us feeling unmoored and uncertain, grasping for understanding yearning for a response. Amid this uncertainty, we can ground ourselves in the certain presence of Jesus, remembering…
- that Jesus Christ, himself a victim of violence and terror, is with each of us today, tomorrow, and in the weeks to come.
- that in the face of violence and terror, Jesus responded with love, resilience, and a commitment to the promises of God.
- that we are called to be both wise and tenderhearted, trusting that God will guide us with words and actions when we may feel we have none.
As people of the cross we can also commit to calling a thing what it is, not shying away from the truth, even a painful truth. We can walk together in our grief and lament over the ways the human family continues to harm one another. Laments like this one from “Sighs Too Deep for Words” provide us with ritual and practice for expressing and processing our shared experience of violence, calling on God to be faithful and to let peace and justice be realized here and now.
What is our call? We know that our communities are resilient, and that this act of violence does not define us. Rather, as faithful people set free in Jesus, we embrace our call to be peacemakers, truth-tellers, and caretakers in our neighborhoods and communities. And we trust in God’s faithfulness, looking to a future rooted in God’s justice.
Bishop Jen Nagel
Minneapolis Area Synod, ELCA
June 12, 2025
Party Planning and Perspective
I’ve been anxious all week because I am knee deep in preparation for my daughter’s graduation party which will be this upcoming weekend. Party planning would not be something I would list as a strength of mine. I am much more of a help yourself and make yourself at home, type of girl, than let’s decorate and put up banners. But this is a decorate and put up banners type of occasion. I am good at ordering things and at least I have that going for me. I have ordered invites, ordered food, ordered signs and yes even ordered table cloths.
I was okay about my prep until I went to other graduation parties this past weekend. They were so perfectly put together and feelings of inadequacy crept in. This is not a normal feeling for me. Usually, I feel just fine. I know what I’m good at and I know what I’m not good at and so I stay in my lane. But in this instance, life is demanding that I be in this lane- the graduation party lane.
To Lily’s credit she has been super helpful and supportive. “It’ll be fine mom.” “Quit comparing yourself to others mom.” “People aren’t coming for the decorations.” This of course is true, but I have already fallen prey to this lie in my head that I have to do it well or right.
I once heard that the devil and all his empty promises is that voice of doubt that enters your head. The one that tells you that you aren’t good enough or need to be something you aren’t. It reminds me of the temptation in the Gospel of Luke where Satan asks Jesus, “If you really are the son of God then you could turn these stones into bread.” But in my case the devil is saying, “If you really are a good mom you would throw the best graduation party, you would having matching plates, and a theme that made sense and you wouldn’t run out of food.”
Jesus was quick to rebuke the devil and quote scripture stating: One cannot live by bread alone. And likewise, I can fight that voice by remembering that God inviting me not to worry about what to eat or drink or what I shall wear, but to consider the lilies of the field and all of their splendor. If God did this for them, won’t God provide for me?
Why do we listen to these voices of doubt? Why do they let them tempt us and make us feel sick to our stomach at times. How come the voice of God can be silenced as we fight these lies. The reality is that God made me good just as I am. Maybe God didn’t need another party planner, but someone who could struggle through it all. Maybe God is teaching me to trust that love is more important than appearances. And so I am doing my best to silent the inner-critic and listen to our gracious God. I am doing my best to cast my doubts and concerns on Jesus and to remember the bigger promise.
Deep down I know being the perfect party planner doesn’t matter, what matters is showing up. What matters is acting in love. What matters is rejoicing in the gifts God has given me. After all even Jesus attended a party where they ran out of wine, and everything turned out just fine at that party. Perhaps, Saturday will just be another opportunity to keep my eyes open for all the ways that God will show up and instead of worrying I can focus my attention on that.
Blessings, Pastor Joanna Mitchell
June 5, 2025
Being Seen
I had breakfast with a friend this morning. He and I meet for breakfast about once a month. We are both first time Senior Pastors, about the same age, with kids similar ages. We also both have BIG personalities. It’s a blast. We laugh a lot! Thankfully. Because as you all know, life is hard and complicated and sometimes you just need to laugh about it or it would be worse.
One of the things I love about these breakfasts is that there is a shared understanding of everything from funerals, to budgets, to personal family transitions. I seldom leave these mornings with my problems solved, but I leave feeling seen, heard and understood.
In the book of Genesis, Hagar, Sarah’s slave, flees into the wilderness after suffering abuse. It is there that God finds her and provides a blessing. Hagar then goes on to be the only person in the bible to give God a name: that name El-Roi, God who sees. Being seen by God gives us the strength and to go on. Being seen by God can help us face obstacles that are ahead. Thankfully we have a God who sees us in whatever we are going through and shows up to walk with us.
Sometimes this is all that it takes to be okay, being seen, knowing that we are not alone. This is the promise from God that we are seen. We are seen as beloved. We are known as God’s good creation. We are seen and known just as we are and in whatever complicated place you are. Know this today: You are seen!
Blessings,
Pastor Joanna
May 29, 2025
Values
Our Vision Board held our annual planning retreat last night—an important time where newly elected members join existing board members to listen and learn together about who we are as Grace Lutheran Church. This year our focus was on our values, reexamining and evaluating what they are and if they have changed.
To get to the heart of our values we tell stories: stories about who Grace is at its best, stories that make us proud of our church and also stories about our dreams for the future. As stories were shared, I gave thanks for the hospitality and generosity of this congregation. Most people shared about being well welcomed and quickly connected to others at Grace. I am so glad! They also pointed out that this is a church that is committed to sharing faith with children and youth and across generations, which we have seen in the creation of having a new youth representative on Vision Board.
Grace Lutheran’s values are as follows:
We are a community inspired by Christ to:
Accept everyone
Deepen Connections
Care Compassionately
Share God’s love
For the most part, our stories affirmed our values. However, we wondered if they name well our commitment to children/youth as well as the generosity of this congregation. There might have to be some revisions in our future. Stay tuned…
What I have learned about values is that core values are consistent regardless of who the leader is, and they are both honest and aspirational. In other words, yes this is who we are, and we still have some work to do.
All of this value work had me thinking more personally on my drive home. My daughter Lily graduates from high school next week. For 18 years, Jeff and I have been given an opportunity to shape and mold her. She is still growing and learning and becoming the person that God has created her to be. But I hope the core values we hold onto as a family are well engrained. I wonder what she would name them to be. My hope is we have taught her the values of honesty, family, generosity, compassion and accepting all people. They aren’t that different than the core values that we have at Grace, which is probably why we fit well together as pastor and congregation.
Invitation to reflection:
I hope that you will take a moment to reflect on your core values. What are they? How have they changed throughout the years? How do they fit with our values at Grace? How are you still growing into living into these values?
I pray that this exercise helps you deepen your understanding of who God created you to be and the gifts you bring both our church and the world. I’d love to hear what they are too. Send me a message and share!
Blessings,
Pastor Joanna Mitchell
May 22, 2025
Moments Like These
This past weekend—and weekends like it—are among the greatest joys in my life of ministry!
We worshipped and celebrated with our 9th graders as they affirmed their faith—the same faith into which they were baptized. I am so proud of them! Worship that day filled me with peace and joy. The students planned a beautiful service and led it with such grace and maturity.
After worship, I met with a family to talk about baptism. As we revisited the promises made in that sacred moment, I was reminded: these are not just commitments made by pastors or parents, but by the entire community of faith. We are asked:
“Will you promise to nurture this child in faith, empower their service, pray for them, and help them live into the promises God has made to each of us?”
And without fail, the congregation responds joyfully,
“We will, with the help of God!”
These are the promises we make—and keep. Our confirmands were able to affirm their baptism because of the great cloud of witnesses who have surrounded them: parents, sponsors, mentors, Sunday School teachers, catechism leaders, VBS volunteers, and many more. I’m so grateful for each and every person who has served, whether upfront or behind the scenes, in children’s and youth ministry. As a pastor, I know I can’t do this work alone—and I don’t want to. As someone who has filled many of these roles in the lives of young people, I can tell you: walking alongside them in faith helps grow and strengthen my own.
We always have opportunities for you to get involved in nurturing the faith of our young people. Right now, we’re busy preparing for Vacation Bible School with Lord of Life in Ramsey! We need volunteers to shepherd children through their daily learning experiences. We also need snack donations to make sure each student receives a treat every day.
If you can help with either of these things, know that you are living out the promises we make to our children at their baptism. Thank you for being part of this faithful, joyful work.
Blessings,
Pastor Maria Markman
May 15, 2025
Remembering our Baptism
Our youth are getting confirmed this Sunday. This service is called the Rite of Confirmation and also an Affirmation of Baptism. I met with a couple this week about an infant baptism and explained to them that in baptism God places God’s name on our forehead and essentially says: “I love you. You are mine.” In our Affirmation of Baptism, we get to say, “Yes. I love you too,” back to God. It’s a moment of commitment and the beginning of a new stage in the faith journey.
I often ask people in my baptism meetings what they remember of their own baptisms. Most of us don’t remember much or anything, especially if we were baptized as babies. But that shouldn’t stop us from remembering our baptism, in the sense that we can remember God’s promise and God’s blessing placed upon us. One of my seminary professors would tell us that every time we wash our face, every time we take a shower, or jump in a pool this is a time to remember our baptism. To remember the voice of God that says; “You are beloved. You are mine. I claim you.”
I hope this week, as we celebrate alongside our youth as they become adult members of the church and affirm their baptism, that you will reflect on your own journey. You will reaffirm your baptism saying yes to God, and also remember that first and foremost God has placed God’s mark upon you, claimed you and named you, and promised to always be there for you. What a gift!
Blessings,
Pastor Joanna Mitchell
May 8, 2025
Celebrating Church Leadership & Youth Empowerment
I was a junior in High School when my pastor called me up to be on the call committee for our church. This phone call probably changed the trajectory of my life.
It was on this call committee that I realized that pastors are “normal” people, and I also got a glimpse of what happened behind the scenes at the church. From this, I ended up being “Youth Deacon” which meant I served on our church council and was head of our youth group.
Looking back, I recognize that these moments shaped me into the leader I am today. Not only was I empowered as a young person, but I recognize how important it is to raise up leaders, especially our youth in the church.
This past weekend was a big weekend. The Minneapolis Area Synod held their annual synod assembly, which I attended along with Pastor Maria, Jan Anderson, Hayley Seide and Grace Weingart (a youth).
On Sunday we had a celebration Sunday, ice cream social and congregational meeting. Our Sunday worship was led by our Vision Board President Chrissy Gast, and we had three generosity moments given by leaders in our church—some who have been here a long time, and some newer members.
It was a spirit-filled morning. I left exhausted and with a full heart. What I saw on Sunday morning was the church at its best. People sharing from the heart about the transformational power of God’s love. People attesting that when they were asked and said, “Yes,” something happened—they grew: as people of faith, in their involvement in the community and in their desire to serve more.
From my days as a youth deacon, I remember having this same feeling after one of our youth Sundays. It was a worship service that I designed but was behind the scenes for most of it. I remember my dad commenting to me, “I thought you were involved in this. I didn’t hear much from you.” Yes, exactly, I thought. Being a leader doesn’t mean my voice is the loudest (although I do have this particular gift), but it is a willingness to empower others, to learn and listen.
Grace Lutheran, this is what I see you do all the time. You listen, you learn, you lead with love. You lift each other up, you give your all, and you allow God’s Spirit to lead you.
I am thrilled that we have been bold to move forward with a youth representative on Vision Board. I know we will figure out how this works together. While I don’t know how exactly this will all look right now, what I do know is that Grace values our children and youth, and you all believe in listening to the Holy Spirit as it stirs things up and invites us to listen in new ways.
Thank you for celebrating with us this week and thank you for your willingness to boldly follow God’s Spirit of truth.
Blessings,
Pastor Joanna Mitchell
May 1, 2025
Celebration Sunday
Friends of Grace,
A week ago, we signed a contract to move forward on the playground at Seeds of Grace. We were supposed to break ground this past Monday, but a mallard laid her eggs and according to state law you can’t disturb the nest. It’s a good law, and also just the way things go at Grace Lutheran Church. It made me finally see a pun in the statement: “The best laid plans of mice and men.” Here’s the thing, in my time at Grace there is always something unique that comes up, some sort of new obstacle to consider or alternative path to take, and I have come to recognize this is God’s great sense of humor and God’s work through us at Grace. I don’t know what will come from this change in plans, but I know something beautiful will occur. I just have to be patient and wait.
But while we wait, we are going to celebrate! Because God has been at work in the ministry of Grace. Our last year, was one filled with construction dust, paint brushes, paint cans, furniture moving and incredible volunteers, renewed relationships, new members and most importantly God’s Spirit. This Sunday, May 4th, we are celebrating the work of God through the ministries of Grace. This happens in many and various ways: the work of our ministry teams, the abundance of food and donations we received for our food drive, the compassion and connections made between people. For all of this we give thanks. Join us as we celebrate together all that God has done. Our celebration will be at all of our worship services: 8:30am, 10:15am Sunday and 7pm on Wednesday. Following each worship will be a short congregational meeting to vote on new vision board members and receive updates about our life at Grace.
Blessings,
Pastor Joanna Mitchell
April 17, 2025
Easter at Grace: A Personal Invitation
A Letter received…
If your thinking
about coming
to Grace, you can
grab a member sheet.
If your not, you really should give us a chance.
It brings so much of us joy. ❤️
GOD loves you ❤️
*transcribed to make it easier to read
Pastor Maria and I received this screenshot this past week – a note written by one of the children here at Grace. This child often writes wonderful notes to us like “Pastors are the best.” Her notes are the pick-me-up I need after a long day at work.
More importantly, they’re inspirational. I love that one of our kids feels the love and care of the Grace community so abundantly that she wants others to experience this joy too. She’s actively inviting people to join in the fun!
This weekend is perfect for inviting someone to church. We have a wonderful Easter celebration planned:
- Beautiful music prepared by our choir
- Special decorations from our liturgical arts team
- Fresh flowers arriving soon
- A meaningful message
But beyond our preparations, I know God’s Spirit will be present. The Spirit will be with us through the solemnity of Good Friday, the waiting of Holy Saturday, and the joy of Easter morning when we proclaim together: “He is risen. He is risen indeed!”
This week, consider sharing this adorable note from one of our second graders with a friend who doesn’t have a church home. Share your story of joy at Grace, and most importantly, share the abundant love of our God.
Blessings,
Pastor Joanna Mitchell
April 10, 2025
Asking Questions and Advocating
My oldest daughter, Helena, was a preemie—born 9 weeks early with health concerns. The first four months of parenthood were unbelievably stressful. We were in and out of hospitals, dealing with IV antibiotics for cellulitis, and navigating a diagnosis of “failure to thrive.” I was just 26 when I became a mother, and I felt completely out of my element.
But I remember one moment clearly: a home nurse told me to do something that didn’t feel right. Another time, I caught a mistake a doctor had made. In those moments, I realized something important—medical professionals, as skilled and dedicated as they are, are still human. And I had to be the one to ask questions and advocate for my daughter.
That realization changed everything. I hadn’t gone to medical school, but I had been there—present, every day, in the NICU. I wasn’t trained in nursing, but I had learned how to administer IV drugs, taken notes, and paid attention. I knew my daughter, and I had to trust what I knew. I had to speak up.
Let me be clear: I have deep respect for our medical professionals. My daughter wouldn’t be alive today without a gifted surgeon and a diligent care team. But they’re not always right—and that’s okay. Now, I look for doctors who are willing to say, “I don’t know,” or “I’ll need to investigate that,” or “I’m going to refer you to a specialist.” Honesty matters. And so does listening.
I share this story because part of my calling is to visit people in hospitals and walk with you through difficult health journeys. Having experienced this with my own parents and daughter, I know how overwhelming it can be to process medical information. Sometimes you need extra ears and minds—someone to ask questions you haven’t thought of.
I pray regularly for those of you going through medical treatments, and I will continue to do so. I also want to encourage you: speak up. Ask questions. Don’t be afraid to say, “I don’t understand,” or “How will this affect my quality of life?” Our physical health is just one part of what it means to live fully. Our relationships, mental and spiritual well-being—they matter too. And our care teams should be thinking about how all of these things work together.
This may feel like an unusual reflection the week before Holy Week. But when I think about Jesus’ final days—how quickly things turned from celebration to suffering—I’m reminded that God knows what it’s like when life shifts suddenly. God is present, even in the hardest moments.
God, our healer, meets us in our vulnerability—not just to hear our concerns, but to offer wisdom, guidance, and love. And I want you to know: if you’re going through something hard, our church is here. We’re here to pray, to walk with you, to ask questions, and to advocate alongside you. You are not alone.
Blessings,
Pastor Joanna Mitchell
March 20, 2025
Church Together
This past Saturday, Pastor Joanna, Will Weikle (CYF director), members of our Vision Board and I attended the Minneapolis Area Synod’s Toolkit. This is an event the synod hosts yearly to help support congregations and congregational leaders for ministry. I am a little embarrassed to say, this was the first toolkit I have attended. Being ordained in the midst of COVID we didn’t meet for toolkit in person my first year. And other years, I have no excuse other than it simply wasn’t a priority.
With newly elected Bishop Jen at the helm and her vision for our synod -Church Together, I wanted to make this a priority. And I know we cannot be church together if we don’t show up. If we don’t support each other. This is true of what I felt at the event too. We entered and checked in. We received name tags and role identification stickers (pastor, deacon, lay member, council member, congregation president, youth leader, etc.) This help all who gathered know who was there, and how they are currently serving in their context. The learning sessions meant to offer tools for our ministry were as diverse as the body of Christ in attendance. Sessions on generosity and treasurers, church council and presidents, faith practices, neighboring practices, faith formation, intergenerational ministry and the upcoming 2027 youth gathering and family needs. All was covered in this event!
As I reflect on the success of the event, I am filled with gratitude for the leadership at Grace! We brought the most people with us than any other church in attendance (don’t quote me on that, but if not, we were really close). And actually, it wasn’t about numbers but the quality of those who came, who gave their Saturday to LISTEN, GROW, and SERVE in the name of Grace! Because we had so many with us from Grace, we were able to attend most if not all of the breakout sessions. We met after the event for lunch and to share all that we learned. We really are stronger when we are church TOGETHER.
Thank you to our vision board. To our faithful volunteers in all of our ministries at Grace. YOU make a difference! We are better TOGETHER because of YOU!
Often on Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings at Grace members of our Vision Board stand by the welcome desk to say hello and to receive your questions. Feel free to ask them if they attended toolkit and if they did what did they learn? Feel free to ask me too! I’d love to share!
Blessings,
Pastor Maria Markman
March 13, 2025
Planning Ahead and Living in the Present
When I do yoga, my online instructor invites us to set an intention. My intention is almost always the same: “Be present.” “Be present.” This is hard for me. I am a planner. I like to plan. I’m good at planning. I need to know what’s next. And when I know what we need to do, I can usually get us there (us being my family or my church, of my staff). Being present is something that God invites us into. Slowing down. Not rushing. Breathing. Seeing. Hearing. Responding. Something amazing happens when we are in the present- we notice things, we show up for people in authentic ways, we REALLY listen.
Unfortunately, our world is made for planners. Just yesterday, I registered for my first summer open water swim event that takes place on May 31st. Only 100 spots left, the website said. Register before it’s too late. If we don’t plan ahead, flights go up, hotels are booked, and we can’t get away. Our culture makes it really hard to just be present. As much as I want to show up and just swim, I know the race organizers need me to plan ahead. I do this to all of you in the church as well. Register for summer activities. Register for VBS. We do this because we need to find teachers, order supplies and have enough.
And so, I wonder. In a world that invites us to plan ahead, how we can be present? How can we stop each day and really be present in our bodies? How can we put down the distractions and live in the moment? Maybe we can’t do it all the time, but can we take half hour each day and live in the moment and allow God’s abundant life to fill us and breathe life into us and our relationships. I hope so.
Blessings,
Pastor Joanna Mitchell
March 6, 2025
Turning Toward
In Luke 9:51, Jesus sets his face toward Jerusalem This is the beginning of the end of his journey on earth. This is where he will lead his disciples. Yes, Jerusalem is the center of worship life, and where the temple is located. But for Jesus at this moment, it is not about affirming the temple and the religious practice of the day, in fact, when he is in Jerusalem, he will actually argue with the religious leaders, questioning their piety over compassion. Turning toward Jerusalem is a turn toward suffering. Jesus has now predicted in the Gospel of Luke two times now that he must go to Jerusalem where he will be handed over to authorities, suffer and be killed. I am pretty sure if I knew that’s what Jerusalem meant for me, I would run the other direction. I would turn AWAY. But this is my humanness, this is the difference between God and me. I want to protect myself; I want to lift myself up, but God always invites me to see beyond myself and to see my neighbor. This is why faith is so hard. It is about choosing what is best for the world and for your neighbor over yourself. I don’t know many people who do this, even people of faith. But this is where Jesus leads us not away from pain, division, and suffering but toward it.
And so, I wonder, how will you turn toward those who are suffering today? How will you turn toward God, putting God’s invitation to see those who are crying out for help ahead of your own security? How will you follow Jesus’ example and follow him even when it is hard?
I confess, I understand this and see it and every year I struggle to follow. But this is the path that God leads us on. And year after year, I am thankful for another chance to follow where God leads, knowing that even when I fail (and I often do and so do Jesus’ disciples by the way) and that Jesus will come to us again and again with an invitation to try once more.
Blessings,
Pastor Joanna Mitchell
February 27, 2025
Overflowing in a Wealth of Generosity
In his second letter to the Corinthians, Paul shares the stories of the churches in Macedonia, who despite difficulty have given beyond his expectations and have been rich in generosity. He goes on to invite the church in Corinth to live out their faith in a similar fashion recognizing that a commitment to God transforms our hearts, our lives, and our willingness to share what God has given us (2 Corinthians 8).
This scripture passage caught my attention because I am constantly sharing the story of the abundant generosity I have experienced here at Grace. Not only have you faithfully supported the mission and ministry of Grace but have stepped out in faith to support our building project AND on top of that committed to our partners so that we actively feed the hungry, house the homeless, and support our local schools. My heart is overflowing because of your wealth of generosity!
March 1st marks the end of our Transforming Inside and Out Campaign. A campaign that had the goal of receiving $1.2 million dollars in pledges. From day 1 you have filled out your faith in a generous commitment to building the church and transforming our community. Pledges equaled $1.56 million coming in $300,000 above our anticipated goal! Thank you for being rich in generosity.
As of today, we have not only met our goal of $1.56 million but exceeded it by over $68,000. Our total giving to the Transformation of our building is $1,631,635 and you are still giving from a place of faith. I am beyond grateful.
Thank you for leading the way in expanding our outreach, our building, and our daycare, and for the ways you have shown up in faith. While I am actively naming the financial contributes that have been given, please know they are not the only ways you have given. People have given of their time, energy, their prayers for this project and all of this together makes a difference. We couldn’t have done it without your faithful giving in all ways! Thank you for being rich in generosity.
So, what happens now. If you have not fulfilled your pledge and still intended to do so… good news you can. Please know all money that you give to Transforming our Capital will be used to pay our mortgage and interest and also for additional building projects: like fellowship hall lighting, exterior signs, the renovation of the sacristy, and to pay down our mortgage faster. We are receiving quotes on all of these projects right now and plan to move forward on them soon. Another option for fulfillment of your pledge is to continue to give the same amount to our Ministry Operations. This supports all of the ministry at Grace: our programming for all ages, our staff, our utilities AND it can be used to pay for our building as well. Giving to Ministry Operations gives us the most versatility when it comes to your financial support. If you have questions about this, please reach out. I’d be happy to walk you through this.
People of Grace, we have walked some tough roads together. The last 5 years have been ones of challenge but more than that one of faithfulness and growth. My heart is overflowing because you have been rich in generosity. Thank you!
Blessings,
Pastor Joanna Mitchell
February 20, 2025
Retreat
I don’t know about the rest of you, but I am ready to retreat to somewhere warmer. I am ready for winter to be over and for spring to come. I am ready for the busy-ness of the season to slow down a bit and to get some rest.
While I realize that is an unrealistc expectation in February, I am thankful for the upcoming retreat this weekend. Once a year the women of Grace get a way retreating to Luther Park in Grantsburg, Wisconsin. Our “Own Your Faith” youth are retreating as well to Camp Wapo outside of Amery, Wisconsin. While I don’t sleep the best away from home, I do know that my spirit will be restored. There will be a chance to listen to God’s word, to ask deep questions, to breathe, to walk, to laugh, and to connect.
Even those of you who are not getting away this weekend, I wonder how you might experience some respite and care. Could you turn everything off for an hour or so? Could you put down your phone and put on some music and allow the melody to fill your spirit? And since the temperature is going to be 50 degrees warmer than earlier this week, could you take a long walk outside and breathe the winter air and allow creation to speak?
Jesus is intentional in his ministry in getting away. Even though he is as busy as they come, he gets up early in the morning, he goes up the mountain, he rests in the boat, reminding us that if Jesus can do it, so can we. So how will you find rest, how can you retreat from the news and all of the chaos of the world and let God fill your soul.
Blessings,
Pastor Joanna Mitchell
February 13, 2025
Jesus is revealed in the breaking of the bread…or tamales
People of Grace-
This is my first full week back to Grace after our week long mission trip to Maya Mopan, Belize. It is an adjustment coming back after any trip but especially, I find, after mission trips. Mission trips are week set aside to look for God, trips where you are extra present and in the moment, trips where because of the nature of the trip you look at EVERYONE you meet as if you are looking into the eyes of God. Returning, it is back to life as usual, deadlines and headlines and you cannot help but wonder what is it all for? Can’t I just return to Belize, to my mission? Everything seemed so clear there. Jesus and what he calls me to do and be was so clear there! But maybe I need a perspective shift, to pause for just a moment and reorient my days. Sure it is cold here, but I can serve here, I can care here, I can look into the eyes of my neighbor and stranger here. God is here too.
On our trip, my favorite work day, was Saturday. The church we partner with was planning to host 5-7 different area churches, over 200 youth for a youth event. So the women and girls of the congregation met starting before 9 am to make tamales. Tamales are a traditional mesoamerican dish of corn/masa, filled with meat and steamed in banana leaf or corn husks. We were invited to help! It was a wonderful day of cooking in their church kitchen. Cooking happened by mixing by hand, heat by open fire, meat prep outside before continuing the recipe inside. There was no thermometer or oven temperature. There was no timer. And spices were added by hand or spoonful (not measuring spoons) and then tasted. But more than all of this, cooking took all day. And it was an intergenerational task. The elders taught and looked on often firing us Minnesotans because we hadn’t gotten the hang of it. Only to be quickly hired again. Laughter and stories filled the kitchen and warmed our spirits. Children played outside as other preparations continued around the church.
In Luke after Jesus is crucified and risen he appears to disciples while they are journeying to Emmaus. They do not recognize him as he asks what they are discussing. They of course were shocked saying, “are you the only one who doesn’t know the things that have happened.” As they journey it gets late and Jesus plans to depart but the disciples invite him to dinner and it is in the breaking of the bread they recognize Jesus! Jesus is revealed in the breaking of the bread! Jesus was revealed to us in the everyday mundane task of making tamales. These women have been doing this for years. So much so there is no timer or recipe to follow it is just what they do. And yet, we experienced God’s presence working alongside one another.
So now that I am back to my ordinary everyday life, might I expect to experience God in my everyday too, not just on mission, but working alongside all of you at Grace, greeting my neighbors, being with family and friends? I think so!
Blessings,
Pastor Maria Markman
February 6, 2025
Praying for our Team Members
In Luke 6:12-16, Jesus goes away by himself to pray. He spends time listening to God and in conversation before he comes down the mountain and then calls 12 men to be his team for the remainder of his ministry. The 12 are all listed by name and next to a few a description, Andrew is Simon’s brother, Simon who is called the Zealot and Judas Iscariot who became a traitor.
This ragtag team of people that Jesus ends up in ministry with is interesting. They have unique gifts and skills. Some are fishermen, one is a tax collector, one is a fanatic. I would imagine the conversations got heated at times as they wrestled and debated both how to follow God and also what to do in the face of the religious and political oppression that was being experienced at their time. I doubt they agreed on everything. The very fact that Judas eventually would betray Jesus is evidence of this truth. Judas wanted Jesus to do something different. And yet, Jesus, both divine and human choose to pick this diverse team. He didn’t choose people who all agreed with him, or people who all got along. But faithful people who were willing to follow, to listen, learn, ask questions and most of all be on the journey.
I think this is a good example to us about our own teams and who we are called to be as a community of people at Grace. I am thankful for the community that God has given us. I know before I came to Grace my prayer was that God would call the pastor that you needed. I never prayed that I would get the call, but that God would put the right person in place. I know that our community of faith is diverse in opinions, in careers, in strengths and in a variety of ways. And yet, God has brought us together to walk this journey of faith and I am so thankful. I am thankful for the diversity of voices at our church. I am thankful for the ways you challenge me. I am thankful that we can have hard conversations.
Last week at Bible study a member brought up that a friend was told by their pastor that we don’t talk about things like immigration. This individual wondered “why? Why would a pastor say we can’t talk about this?” There is a lot of news coming at us every day. Some of it has to do with immigration, some of it is about who is getting power and access to power, financial cuts to non-profits and even plans for the Gaza strip. While these conversations definitely are political, they also are important. Our faith does have something to say about how we treat the immigrant, the widow and the orphan (Exodus 22 Psalm 146:9). We are supposed to remember we were once strangers. Our faith does have something to say about how to use power and it is to lift people up. Our faith does have something to say about how we converse; we do so with respect, curiosity and a willingness to learn. I recognize that not everyone will agree with me and that’s okay. I believe we have been united to be in conversation with each other. I don’t want to use my position to say this is how it has to be- but to listen, to learn, and to be faithful. I need all of you to help me do that. I continue to pray and give thanks to God for making all of you members of the team at Grace, called to follow Jesus and share God’s love with the world. How we do that together is in being in relationship, sitting down at the table together, having uncomfortable and faithful conversations at times and remember that we are all uniquely made as a child of God.
Blessings,
Pastor Joanna Mitchell
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January 23, 2025
Leaving Our Baggage Behind
Dear Grace Friends,
It is good to be back with you all. While I had an incredible time on my trip to Greece and Turkey, it still is great to be surrounded by all of you and to sleep in my own bed (even if the temperatures outside are less than desirable!).
Many of you know that my baggage was delayed while I was in Greece. We landed on Tuesday, January 7th and I didn’t receive my luggage 9pm on Saturday January 11th, the night before we left for Turkey. Our guides had given us a devotional question early on in the week asking us “what baggage do you need to leave behind to be truly present on this trip?” I will admit that I found this questions humorous given I didn’t receive my bag for so long. But, there was power in not having my suitcase. I had overpacked. Probably too many sweaters and clothes in general, and not having my luggage reminded me of how little I actually need. Thankfully I had extra undergarments and socks. I could buy the things that matter like a toothbrush. But after that I was free to not worry about things. It was easy to get dressed in the morning, I didn’t have many choices. People also shared readily with me, which was another great indication of God’s generosity poured out through people. In some ways I felt slowed down once I had my luggage back. I had to pack up again and choose what to wear. And now everyone was paying attention to my wardrobe because I had gone so long without it.
I kind of liked having to be resourceful and dependent on others in this way. It built connections, it also reminded me of how little we actually need. The question remains, what baggage do you need to leave behind. I hope it’s not your actual luggage, but might we all be freed to let go of the things we carry in abundance or out of fear. Are there things we can leave behind and realize we didn’t need them in the first place. I pray that you might be freed to let go of whatever heavy burdens you are carrying today and trust in God’s provision and others to be there for you as you let go.
Blessings,
Pastor Joanna Mitchell
January 16, 2025
Good News
Gospel means “good news.” The gospels tell the good news. Mark’s gospel opens “The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the son of God” (Mark 1:1). This week in worship we will read the story of Jesus teaching in the synagogue in his hometown reading from the prophet Isaiah, “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom to the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim a year of the Lord’s favor” (Luke 4:18-19).
But it seems everywhere we look there is bad news. Violence, fighting, division, war, hunger, fire, illness, grief, you name it. Our world is full of bad news.
This is why I am grateful to this community. I lead many educational groups at Grace and this week Graceful Seniors and WOW met as large groups. Leaders worried if anyone would show up and if it was safe to meet all together, especially with cold and flu season rearing its ugly head. I am grateful for their thoughtfulness and sensitivity to one another. Overall we decided to meet. It is good for us to be together in community rather than in isolation. But with precautions. And so if you aren’t feeling well, we ask that you think of the vulnerable in our midst and stay home until you are better. If you are feeling well, continue to wash your hands and get the rest you need to remain healthy.
Additionally, I am sure you have heard about the fires in California. My social media feeds have been full of former performing friends living in California who have needed to evacuate. In particular a young family with twin baby boys. And pastor friends from when I was on internship whose homes or churches are in evacuation zones and yet others who have marked themselves as safe. The truth is there are many who have been effected by the fires. The fire doesn’t choose based on income level or race. And they are all in need of help. Which is why I am glad to share we will be taking a noisy offering to be sent to Lutheran Disaster Response who is coordinating with Southwest California Synod and Pacifica Synods to assess the needs of those impacted by the wildfires. Details below on how you can give. Please pray for California residents effected and fire response teams.
After reading the scroll, Jesus sat down and said, “Today the scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”
The good news is when we are aware of bad news around us, when we are aware of those in our midst who are vulnerable, we can become helpers and healers. We can become the hands and feet of Jesus. We can become good news fulfilled. Let it be so!
Blessings,
Pastor Maria Markman
January 9, 2025
Epiphany
Happy New Year! And Happy Epiphany-tide! The church is currently in the season of Epiphany. A season that begins with Epiphanies feast day on January 6th and ends Ash Wednesday and the beginning of the Lenten Season. Epiphany is my favorite feast day of the whole year and is usually forgotten or missed in the chaos and let down of Christmas and New Years.
The feast day marks the arrival of the kings to baby king Jesus. A king who we know will not be an earthly kind of king but a different king all together! The season of Epiphany then marks the revealing of who Jesus is! Epiphany literally meaning to appear. This year, Epiphany is long! We have many weeks to gather together to wonder about who this Jesus is. And what that means for us in our lives of faith.
In staff meeting this week, we read a devotion from one of my favorite books, Emily Carson’s “Holy Everything.” This devotion was titled “Unboxing” and begged us to think again about how we describe Jesus. The question shouldn’t be “do we put Jesus in a box”, but rather “what box have we put Jesus in?” Emily reminded us that Jesus is Savior, healer, storyteller and comforter, but also rebel and antagonist, disrupter of social and religious norms of his day, who often taught using questions and not certainties. This is the Jesus we get to discover again, who is revealed each year during the season of Epiphany. In worship we read stories from the Gospels. This year we will be focusing in on Luke’s Gospel.
Emily’s devotion didn’t stop at Jesus though, she invited us to think of others we have put into boxes- how might we extend the same grace and understanding to them? How might our neighbors or loved ones be revealed to us anew in this season of life? Do we allow them to grow and even surprise us? Do we allow them to be bearers of Christ’s image for us?
Blessings,
Pastor Maria Markman
January 2, 2025
New Years Blessings and Other News
Happy New Year people of Grace. Together we enter 2025. For some of you this calendar change is the welcome reset after a hard year, for others this year holds new possibilities and excitement. I know in our household, we have a child graduating from high school, which makes for a memorable year.
I will be away the on a trip to Greece and Turkey following the footsteps of Paul with other pastors and their spouses from January 6th-16th. Pastor Maria will be holding down the fort along with the rest of the Grace staff. This is a trip that has been several years in the making and changed from a trip to Israel and the Holy Land after the war broke out in Gaza. I ask for your prayers for our travel. This is a trip that hopefully we can share together one day. Designed to help pastors prepare to take with their congregation members. I look forward to sharing some of my learnings with you all when I return.
In this new year, I pray that your eyes would stay open to seeing God’s presence within and around you, that you would slow down and recognize the steady rhythm of the world beating all around us every day. I pray that you might hear messages of love and belonging and share them with others. I pray you will forgive abundantly and receive with open arms. I pray you will allow your true self to shine through bringing you connection and compassion. May God’s love fill you and bless you in this new year.
Blessings,
Pastor Joanna Mitchell