Lasting First Impressions
My first association with Grace Lutheran Church was as a young girl. My Aunt Ruth, who is of Norwegian ancestry, came to Grace after moving to Lansing from the Upper Peninsula. She encouraged my mother to come to church with her and to have me and my sister baptized, which is how I came to be baptized at Grace when I was five years old. With assistance from our church administrator, I learned that my mother and uncle were baptized the same day by Pastor Breck. We continued coming to Grace for three or four years and I was involved in the Sunday School program. My mother eventually quit bringing us to church, so I started going to St. Stephen Lutheran Church, which was within walking distance of our home on the north end.
I remember telling my mom that I was returning to Grace when I got my driver’s license, and that is exactly what I did. I returned to the church at age 16 and went through membership classes with Pastor Foster. It seems remarkable to me that even at nine or ten years old, I knew there was something special about this place and about these people. A few years later I met a nice young Lutheran man, and Joe and I were married by Pastor Foster at Grace. I love that our church family has deep roots and traditions, and that we love and care for each other. The care team is an excellent example of how we do that; the senior luncheon program is another; and the prayer shawl ministry is yet another.
--Judy Salminen
I remember telling my mom that I was returning to Grace when I got my driver’s license, and that is exactly what I did. I returned to the church at age 16 and went through membership classes with Pastor Foster. It seems remarkable to me that even at nine or ten years old, I knew there was something special about this place and about these people. A few years later I met a nice young Lutheran man, and Joe and I were married by Pastor Foster at Grace. I love that our church family has deep roots and traditions, and that we love and care for each other. The care team is an excellent example of how we do that; the senior luncheon program is another; and the prayer shawl ministry is yet another.
--Judy Salminen
Singing at Grace
I have been a member of Grace Lutheran for 33 years now! When we first visited there, we felt very welcome and that continues for new people today as well as long time members. My church family is very important to me as they are there when I am sad or depressed or when I am happy and joyful. I am involved in several activities, but my very favorite is being in choir. I love to sing and we have a great choir, especially since we have been able to get 4 Choral Scholars from MSU to sing with us! They bring youth and vitality as well as beautiful voices.
--Nora Polley
--Nora Polley
Coming to Grace
After several chaotic events in my life I decided it was time to find a church home. Not looking forward to such a task, my daughter and I began our search at Grace Lutheran. Grace was much more than a warm and friendly congregation. I found "peace" there, exactly what I was really searching for. Later, I learned that it was Jesus working at Grace Church, through the people of Grace. My search for a church home was short-lived, and we are truly at home at Grace!
-- Linda Flanagan
-- Linda Flanagan
Growing up with Grace
For almost 50 years I've been included in the family of Grace Lutheran Church. I have been encouraged to expand ways in which to utilize my time, talent, and service to God, church, and community. As a youth I was embraced by Sunday School friends and included in typical Youth activities. Later I became involved in Bible Study, national church conventions, Grace Church Council (4 terms), church committees, our neighborhood tutoring program, and summer day camp. What's made all this possible and so meaningful is Grace Lutheran's commitment to creating a handicapper accessible church. It's much more than pillars, bricks, and mortar. Grace Lutheran Church is an ever-growing, ever-loving, and ever-embracing group of people held together by the grace of God. We are family -- an extended family -- accepting and supporting each other.
Why is this so important to me? Well, I have cerebral palsy with a variety of physical characteristics. Members/friends of Grace Lutheran see beyond all that, accepting and embracing the whole of me, Nancy, an adventurous, lively woman. Interestingly the name Nancy means "full of Grace."
-- Nancy Anderson
Why is this so important to me? Well, I have cerebral palsy with a variety of physical characteristics. Members/friends of Grace Lutheran see beyond all that, accepting and embracing the whole of me, Nancy, an adventurous, lively woman. Interestingly the name Nancy means "full of Grace."
-- Nancy Anderson
