Grief Care is a support group offered by Ethos Hospice that provides the opportunity to meet in a caring and safe environment to learn about your grief and connect with others who share a common bond. Grief Care is for anyone 18 years and older who has experienced the loss of a loved one through death. They meet the first Thursday of each month, 1-2:30 p.m. at Ethos Home Care and Hospice, 4491 South Washington, Suite A, Grand Forks.
Around Our Table
Spud-Tacular!
The annual East Grand Forks Music Booster fundraiser Spud-Tacular will be held on Monday, March 6, 4:30-7:30 p.m. at the East Grand Forks Senior High School gym and cafeteria. Enjoy student performances throughout the evening. Free will donation for potato bar. Pies sold by the slice and themed raffle baskets and baked goods are also available. (Food served from 4:30 - 7 p.m.) Proceeds benefit the East Grand Forks music program.
Religion and Science Sunday 2024
On February 18, Family of God will be celebrating Religion and Science Sunday 2024. This annual event is recognized by people of many faiths and honors the ways religion and science complement each other.
This year's theme is "Religion, Science, and the Common Good." Tyler Bublitz, Youth Pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church, Bemidji, will be our guest preacher that day. Tyler has a regular podcast about Religion and Science. He's also a member of A Community Called Grace, the experimental ministry for youngish adults in Bemidji which we have supported with a small gift.
Please join us at 10 a.m. during our worship service.
Holiday Greetings from Family of God
We wish you the special gifts
of this holiday season….
Peace, Joy and lasting Happiness.
Annual Fill The Tote
Each fall Family of God Church joins in the Fill the Tote project which provides back-up clothing to area Minnesota school children. Cindy picked up a full tote for area children who need something dry in winter weather. We’re happy to support area schools in this way each fall.
Sole Hope Fundraiser
Every child deserves the freedom to run, dance, slide and swing without any hinderance. Foot parasites should never rob them of their joy and playfulness. Treating infections shouldn’t prevent children from simply being children.
Sole Hope was founded in 2010 with a mission to address the devastating issue of jigger infestations. More than 1 billion individuals worldwide are affected by these painful parasites, and since our establishment, we have been dedicated to eradicating this problem. Through the invaluable support of generous individuals like yourself, we are making remarkable progress in our journey each day.
Mendenhall Presbyterian Church in East Grand Forks is hosting a Sole Hope Fundraiser. Enjoy an evening of musical performances by area musicians, raffle baskets, and a delicious meal sponsored by Chino Latino & Steers.
Tickets may be purchased in person at Mendenhall, via Facebook event or by texting 701-248-0227. Advance tickets: Adults $15, Children (age 3-10) $5; Tickets at door: Adults $17, Children (age 3-10) $7
Saturday, September 30, 2023
5:30 - 6:30 Supper
6:15 - 7:45 p.m. Musical Performances
Mendenhall Presbyterian Church
528 10th St NW, East Grand Forks, MN
Fill the Totes
It’s time to collect winter wear for area Minnesota schools. Bring any of the listed items during September and October to “fill the tote” in the entryway of Family of God. If you prefer to make a financial gift, please mark it “fill the totes” and it will be used to purchase waterproof mittens.
Here’s what’s needed:
waterproof mittens (size medium & large)
warm hats
unisex black sweat pants or stretch pants (sizes 3-10)
black socks (sizes 0-10)
boys & girls underwear (sizes 3-10)
The schools that are impacted are New Heights and South Point Elementary in East Grand Forks, Riverside Christian School, Fisher & Climax Elementary, and Warren Elementary.
Thank you for helping keep our kids warm and dry!
Synod Road Trip '23
The Northwestern Minnesota Synod of the ELCA is coming to you! Mark your calendars now for Thursday, September 21 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 145 South State Street, McIntosh, MN.
We will give you an update on all that is happening in and throughout the synod, share and listen to local conference-specific information, discuss how your mission support is being stewarded, and enjoy time together over food and conversation while building intentional relationships. We look forward to being in your neck of the woods.
AGENDA
5:15 PM - 5:55 PM: Registration
5:30 PM: Meal Served
6:00 PM: Road Trip Content Begins
Devotion
Synod Updates
Hear Conference specific Updates
Q&A Time
7:30 PM: Sending Blessing
2023 Pride Week in the Grand Cities
The Grand Cities will celebrate PRIDE the last week in August. Family of God will have a booth at the PRIDE in the Park on Saturday. We are sponsoring (and cooking/serving) the BBQ Saturday starting at 5:30 at Archives Coffee House (on UND campus) and hosting a special PRIDE worship service on Sunday.
Here’s a list of events for your planning (schedule subject to change):
Monday, August 21
4:30 p.m. - PRIDE 101 presentation at Archives
Merie Kirby and friends explain what we need to know to be a supportive ally.Tuesday, August 22
7 p.m. - Movie Night (The Wizard of Oz)Wednesday, August 23
7 p.m. - Pride Bowling at Red Ray LanesThursday, August 24
4-8 p.m. PRIDE Crafting at Memorial Union
6:30 p.m. - PRIDE Youth Event at Calvary LutheranFriday, August 25
5:30 p.m. - BBQ at Archives (FOG and PFLAG sponsors)
7 p.m. - Open Mic at Archives (with Katie Wirsing)Saturday, August 26
10 a.m. - 2 p.m. - PRIDE in the Park at Pillsbury Park
6 p.m. - Roller DerbySunday, August 27
PRIDE worship in area churches:
10 a.m. Family of God Church, East Grand Forks
10:30 a.m. Christus Rex Lutheran Center, Grand Forks
12 p.m. PRIDE Brunch & Celebration at Archives
1 p.m. PRIDE Fairy Bingo at Archives
5:30 p.m. PRIDE Trivia at Memorial Union
Refugees welcomed to Grand Forks
Refugee Welcome Boxes
Family of God helped Global Friends welcomed a family of 4 from Columbia, South America, to Grand Forks in a big way! We collected items to furnish their apartment with lots of extras for new families arriving soon. Boxes contain furnishings and household items as well as cleaning supplies and hygiene supplies.
YOUNG(ish) AT HEART
Save the date for this fundraiser for the
Music therapy program at Valley Senior Living
care communities, a life enrichment for their residents!
FOG recognized with Gold Leaf
Valley Senior Living Foundation recognized Family of God Church on May 10 at their Spring Tree of Life Luncheon. A Gold Leaf will be displayed with their name on the Tree of Life at Valley Senior living on Columbia in recognition of over $2,500 in cumulative gifts. Thank you to all have participated in reaching this milestone!
Quilt represents “something positive out of something that wasn’t”
450 unused covid masks were repurposed into a quilt that represents a nice piece of history. Many volunteers donated masks to Valley Senior Living at the start of the COVID pandemic in 2020 when personal protective equipment was scarce.
Valley Senior Living reach out to the crafters at Family of God Church and they created a unique, one-of-a-kind heirloom. Pastor Gretchen Graf, Kim Cariveau, Patti Medal, Nancy Robison and Victoria Swift turned the masks in a 65 x 87 inch quilt that was raffled at the Valley Senior Living’s “Around Our Table” fundraising event. The quilt raised $1,140 for Chaplaincy Ministry program!
You can read the full story in the Grand Forks Herald.
Reunited after 12 Years!
In conjunction with Grand Forks Head Start and extreme generosity and kindness from Family of God Church, a mother and son have been reunited after 12 long years apart. He arrived safely stateside from Africa and has meet his half siblings and stepfather.
Your donations have forever changed this family’s life for the better. They are eternally grateful. Thank you so very much!
Flower Communion Sunday
SUNDAY, MAY 21
10 a.m. Worship service followed by fellowship and garden planting
We’re planning a joint service with the Unitarians with their tradition of Flower Communion. This service represents what each person brings to our community and celebrates diversity. It’s also a chance for us to plant our favorite flowers in the church landscaping (weather permitting) and to take home flowers to enjoy. Be thinking about what bedding plants or fresh flowers you would like to bring to that service.
Global Friends Coalition Open House
Educate, Embrace, and Empower New Americans in Greater Grand Forks.
Global Friends Coalition is excited to be part of a thriving, diverse community. Our goals include continuing our work with New Americans and with Greater Grand Forks so that everyone feels welcome and like they belong.
We are always evaluating what we are doing and where we are going as an organization. Thank you for coming along with us! With YOUR help we are able to educate, empower, and embrace New Americans in the community.
Join us at an Open House at our new office at 1815 Demers Avenue, Grand Forks, ND. Visit gfcoalition.org for more information.
8th Annual Around Our Table
Valley Senior Living is hosting the 8th Annual Around Our Table event to support spiritual growth through their Chaplaincy Ministry for residents, tenants, family members and staff. It will be held at Calvary Lutheran Church on April 22 from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. You are invited to host a table and invite your friends to join. You can also bid on items included in the online auction act give.classy.org/aroundourtable2023.
LSS Volunteers Needed
At Lutheran Social Services of Minnesota (LSS), we are seeking caregiver support and respite volunteers to socialize with our Afternoon Adventure participants at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in East Grand Forks. Your giving of time will allow family caregivers time to run errands, rest and recharge.
What you wiLl do
Volunteers will participate in a variety of activities such as playing games, assisting with craft projects, exercise and visiting. Volunteers will receive training and no prior experience is required. To qualify you must be 18 years or older, have some availability each week, and have reliable transportation.
VOLUNTEER BENEFITS
Meet new people, share your skills and make a positive impact on your community
Feel the satisfaction of giving back
Be matched with someone who shares your interests
Offer older adults friendship and support
If you are interested in volunteering in Afternoon Adventures, please contact Julie Praska-Moser at 218-686-6228 or email julie.praska-moser@lssmn.org.
Celebrate EID with New Hope for Immigrants
The mission of New Hope for Immigrants is to promote the social wellbeing for Immigrant families and the youth by providing self sufficiency through employment, education, culture, social support, and economic empowerment.
Join us at a cross cultural celebration on April 22, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. at the East Grand Forks Senior Center, 538 Rhinehart Drive SE, East Grand Forks. Celebrate together with food, music, children’s activities and more! Open to all.
For more information visit www.facebook.com/nhfi2021 or email CriticalConversationmn@gmail.com.
