Grace Notes ~ 2026

July 19th       

GRATITUDE AND THE CALL TO GOOD COURAGE

“God love your cotton socks!” That’s one way people in Gander, Newfoundland say “thank you.” They were called to welcome the stranger (Matt. 25:35, Heb. 1:2) on  Sept. 11, 2001, when American air space was closed after the terrorist attacks. Thirty-eight planes were diverted to Gander, doubling its population as it became a refuge for 7,000 international travelers unable to reach their U.S. destinations. Our Canadian neighbors rounded up food, shelter and friendship during five days of fear and uncertainty. The story later became a Broadway musical, “Come From Away.” It’s currently playing in Minneapolis, a city recently called to override fear by feeding, clothing and protecting families cruelly torn apart. Love intertwines gratitude, courage and community. Even if our call never hits the stage, we are all invited to listen and join the music!

~ Nancy Lund

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July 12th

PRAYER OF GOOD COURAGE

At the end of our worship service each Sunday we recite together the Holden Prayer of Good Courage. We invite you to look up at the words that circle the front of the sanctuary and remember that each word was written by a different hand, some young and others old, who are all a part of this congregation. We hope you enjoy this visual reminder that we are in this faith community together and that we don’t go out alone.  

~ Mary Deneen and Martha Winter

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July 5th

GOD WITH US IN COMMUNITY, THROUGH CONTINUITY AND CHANGE

Our congregation holds within itself our history, our present and our future. Members and others who join with us in so many ways come from varied backgrounds. Lifelong members, years long members and newer people join in our community, perhaps in their later years, all sharing their gifts. Our children’s ministries serve members and non-members alike. Although we are a Lutheran congregation, many of us were brought up in Catholic or other faith traditions, or no faith traditions at all.

So many changes have come over the years and many are sure to come. We will continue to be rooted in Jesus’ love for us and our love for all our neighbors near and far as we live out “All Are Welcome Here”.

~ Mary Ehrlichmann

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June 28th

GRATITUDE IN THE MIDST OF CHALLENGES - 4

How do we hear from God in our struggles? What is the point of gratitude? 1 Kings 19:11-12 While hiding in a cave, the prophet Elijah experienced God not as a violent wind, an earthquake, or a fire, but as “a still, small voice or whisper.” I find when I am intensely upset, I am often not quiet enough to hear any whisper. I know at times I do not hear God’s voice, or receive His loving comfort; I feel terribly alone. Psalm 46:10 “Be still, and know that I am God.” In the original Hebrew, this means to relax, to let go, to let God quiet one’s mind to find peace in God’s sovereignty. In the challenges, I often am not quiet but I rail against what God has allowed to happen in my life. But I keep hearing about being thankful, having an attitude of gratitude.

Gratitude shifted my attitude towards God. Instead of focusing on what was lost, God helped me start to look at what was good, what was still there. I am healthy; I have a roof over my head. My husband was well cared for; he lit up like a candle when he saw me. We could spend hours together everyday. Again, “it’s not perfect, it’s not everything; but being together we were home.” Praise be to God.

~ Ann Dunn

Prayer

Thank You, Father, for giving Jesus to walk with us, feeling and suffering as we all do. We have a Savior who learned obedience here on this earth. Thank You for never giving up on us. Thank You for giving us all we need; we can’t earn or buy our way home to You. Amen

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June 21st

GRATITUDE IN THE MIDST OF CHALLENGES - 3

In our long journey through life’s struggles (don’t they always seem so long and intensely overwhelming), we often feel so alone, even abandoned, by God. I know I needed His wise counsel. I needed to lean on Jesus. I knew I could not make it through this by myself; I needed Him to be with me, to guide me, to give me strength.. Looking through the Bible, I found some examples of people who had to wait for God’s promises, who faced great odds. Joseph–13 years in prison, Moses–40 years in the desert, Abraham–25 years for Isaac to be born. So was God listening to their, and my, cries for help and mercy? 

The word God gave to me: Psalm 138:3. “As soon as I pray, You answer me. You encourage me by giving me strength.” I did receive God’s strength to make it through each day, one day at a time, sometimes one breath at a time. Looking back, I can see His faithful gift of endurance for which I am thankful and can offer praise, even though He did not take the disease away, restoring Stephen’s health. 

~ Ann Dunn

Prayer

Thank You, Jesus, for giving me Your word to cling to. Please give us a meaningful personal word which addresses our own situation; we need Your help.

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June 14th

GRATITUDE IN THE MIDST OF CHALLENGES - 2

Diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2018, the disease kept a steady downward progression changing every facet of our lives. After three years of being his carepartner (still during Covid), my husband Stephen was no longer able to safely live in our home, so we had to move him to a care facility. He kept asking to go home, which was not medically feasible. I did not have an honest, yet comforting, reply, which tore me apart. Praying for some wisdom, God finally did give me a response to his need, “Honey, it is not perfect; it’s not everything, but isn’t home when we’re together?” Stephen mulled it over, then agreed our being together brought us “home.” I would have to repeat God’s words to him, and to myself, in order to keep the main thing the main thing: we were grateful to be home together no matter where we were.

~ Ann Dunn

Prayer

Thank You, Lord, for walking with us through all of our struggles. You keep us sane, giving us hope and comfort. It was so difficult for us not to live together, but You kept our love alive. Thank You for never forgetting or caring for us.

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June 7th

GRATITUDE IN THE MIDST OF CHALLENGES - 1

We live in a fallen, broken, sinful world. When we face life’s challenges we often turn to the Bible, God’s word, to search for support, for answers to our questions, for His wisdom and guidance, for a word of peace or encouragement. 

Both Old Testament and New Testament authors addressed expressing gratitude while we suffer pain and loss. As Christ’s followers we are told not to be surprised when we experience trials and tribulations. Jesus learned obedience through suffering so we can expect the same; we are to take up our cross and follow Him. 

1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NLT) Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 

Briefly, this verse does NOT say to be thankful FOR all circumstances which would not be real or possible. No matter what we are experiencing we are to be thankful (since we belong to Christ) that He will accompany us through the trial, never leaving us behind or abandoning us in it. If we let Jesus in, challenging times will transform us into becoming more like Jesus, long and painful as that process can be. 

We may not appreciate the circumstances we find ourselves facing; we may get lost in the turmoil and emotional stress. Finding our way to gratitude will continue to be addressed here during the month of June. 

~ Ann Dunn

Prayer 

Lord Jesus, Thank You for wanting an interactive personal relationship with me. I’m grateful You know what is best for my life. Help me trust You, even when You say NO.