The Proclaiming Commission is charged with overseeing all outreach activities for Grace Church.  The Commission is short on members and is looking for additional volunteers.  We urge you to consider joining this exciting work for the Lord. Members of the Commission in 2007 were Nancy Munro & Bill Issel, Co-Coordinators, Christy Gipson, and Council liasons Gayla Cutler and Alice Murphy.  The Commission’s on-going outreach programs and specific events in 2007 were the following:

OUTREACH WORKSHOP: On Feb. 18, 2007 Jamie Munro conducted an outreach workshop for Grace members and guests. The purpose was to demonstrate to Grace Commissions how outreach can be integrated into most of the ministries of Grace Church.  It was attended by 40 people, including Commission chairpersons, Commission members, staff, and other Grace members. Follow-up outreach ideas were sent to Commissions in writing.

OUTREACH THEME:  The Commission is considering adopting an outreach theme for Grace that can be used on all communications, on the website,  and on church letterhead. Themes being considered are: “Plug into Grace”, “Put Grace in your Life”, and “Got Grace?”  Suggestions from Grace members are welcome.

BRISTOL PARK APARTMENTS: These 208 new apartments two blocks from the church started renting in early 2007. A leaflet advertising Grace Church was given to the rental office to put in new resident welcome packets.

HOSPITALITY FOR VISITORS: First time visitors have a gift bag with information and treats delivered to their home to welcome them and inform them about activities and programs at Grace. We thank the many Grace members who have willingly visited first time visitors to drop off the gift bag.

WOODLAND NEIGHBORHOOD OUTREACH: Residents of the neighborhood around the church are regularly invited to special activities at Grace Church.  In 2007 there were two events: Treats and invitations to Vacation Bible School were distributed on June 2nd .  On Dec. 16^th caroling to nearby residents occured and they were given treats and invitations to the Christmas worship services.  A banner advertising the Messiah Sing-Along, Caroling, and Christmas Worship Services was placed in the church front yard.

GREETERS: People volunteer to greet all persons entering the church before worship services.   In 2007 we revived this inactive program and there will be regular greeters at the doors in 2008 at the 11:15 worship service.

SHEPHERDING PROGRAM: Geographic zones are established with a contact person (Shepherd) overseeing each zone and organizing assistance and information for members in their zone who need support.

LUTHERAN LIGHT NEWSLETTER: A monthly newsletter is mailed to all members.  We thank Donna Stephens, Lorraine Huynh, and Merry Ann Hansen for their talented work as Editors.

PHOTOGRAPHY: A team of photographers capture photos of most events for publicity purposes.  Photographers in 2007 were Terry Domm, Dick Lorenz, Stan Long, Chuck Frew, Ingrid Busch, Ana Hulsey & Carl Ludemann.

PUBLICITY: News releases on Grace activities are prepared and sent to print, radio, and TV news media.  Chuck Frew, Nancy Munro, Ruth Smiley, and Carol Oen prepared news releases in 2007.   

TAPE MINISTRY: This ministry to bring sound recordings of church services to shut-ins is not active now due to the need for someone to learn how and regularly make CD’s with the new digital sound system.  If you are technologically oriented, please volunteer at the church office or to any member of the Proclaiming Commission.

PET FEST & BLESSING:   Our sixth annual Pet Fest & Blessing occurred on Sept. 29, 2007 with over 300 people attending.  Over half of them were not Grace members. It brings in people from the community to celebrate and bless their pets, and honor the companionship that pets bring to our lives. This event is held in the parking lot,  pavilion and school grounds.  There were more pet adoptions and foster care sign ups than in previous years. Thanks to Woodland School for participating with a pet-oriented art show; all students participating  received a ribbon and goodie bag. This event gets bigger and better every year.  In 2008 it will be on October 4th.

NAME TAG  SUNDAYS: This was tried in 2007 to promote name recognition and fellowship among members and visitors.  It was so successful that we are planning to have one name tag Sunday every month in 2008.

A YEAR IN THE LIFE OF GRACE:   The Commission is considering sponsoring production of a CD which would include still photos and some text about the many ministries and events going on during the year at Grace.   This CD would be given to visitors, guests, and new members to better acquaint them with Grace.  We need a volunteer skilled in CD production to head up this project.

WEB SITE MINISTRY TEAM:  This group is studying the Grace web site to make recommendations on expanding it and making it more user-friendly.  Members include Alice Murphy, Olaf Storaasli, Gloria Caton, and Ingrid Busch. 

MISCELLANEOUS OUTREACH:  Grace signed up for a second year with the Seminarian Partnership program at Southeastern Theological Seminary.  At a cost of $500 to the church,  a seminary student is “adopted” by Grace to give that student regular prayer support, encouragement and interaction.   Grace supported our missionary Dr. David Brondos who teaches at a seminary in Mexico City.  On May 17^th, Gayla Cutler and Bill Issel delivered new resident bags to new homes in Rivers Run and Park Meade subdivisions inviting the residents to Grace Church.

Submitted by Bill Issel & Nancy Munro