When did we come to Grace?

Our family came to attend Grace LC when I entered 7th grade – 1963. Confirmed at Grace 1964-65 – not real sure of the date. However, I do have a picture of my confirmation class. Pastor Duane Tollefson - 15 confirmants. I remember confirmation classes were held in the multipurpose room.

Gregg and I were married at Grace, January 31,1970. Gregg was in Radiological Technician classes at Wenatchee Valley College – a 3 year course at that time. After completion of Gregg's schooling he was chosen by lottery to enter the military. The Vietnam Era conflict took us to Tacoma, and Utah. After Gregg’s military service we lived in Walla Walla, Tacoma, Omak, Puyallup. Most of Gregg’s career was spent in Radiology Administration. I spent several years in Washington State school districts where I was an administrative secretary. We came to Wenatchee in 1997 with the thought to finish our working careers and retire, which we did in 2015.

We have 2 children, Robin born 1972 at Madigan Army Hospital. Brent born 1978, in a medical air transport “high in the sky” over Grand Coulee Dam. Brent’s “place of birth” was determined where he touched down at Spokane. He was born premature at 7 weeks and after 11 days in the hospital he was able to join us in Omak, Washington. Robin lives in Phoenix, Arizona with Mike and our 19 year old grandson Matt. Brent lives in Seattle with Lindsay and our grandchildren, 10 year old granddaughter Avery, and 6 year old grandson Brooks. They are the “apples” of our eyes!!

So why come back to Grace?

I chose to come back to Grace immediately upon returning to Wenatchee, 1997. This church represents the “roots” of my faith. I am pleased to say Gregg decided he also wanted to be a member sometime later. Pastor Jon Nelson was a wonderful influence on Gregg. Gregg has also developed a friendship with Pastor James, which I appreciate very much.

What are your hopes for the future of Grace?

I have seen a lot of growth at Grace and it has been a pleasure. Just to name a few opportunities I have experienced and/or participated in during the growth at Grace.

I was on the Worship Team when the paraments where chosen several years ago. It was a long and laborious task (labor of love). Many hours spent with others on the team choosing the various designs for the paraments. Pastor Jon Nelson was our constant source of direction, full of knowledge about church symbolism as well as other details. It was a wonderful learning experience. I still enjoy the paraments and marvel at their beauty. I would love to see our pew covers replaced.

The Memorial Garden is a treasure. Gregg and I are both participating in the garden and we are presently members of that team. We are pleased to know our children will have the ease of our passing knowing we have a church, pastor and resting spot all in place. Hopefully, our garden will continue to be lovingly cared for.

So, did you fill out the Fox Survey?

Yes, I did.

One question I’ve been interested in asking, was there one thing you wrote down on the survey that you would like to see completed.

My hopes for the future would be to see a major upgrade to our beautiful building. Our location is so stunning, so visual for all passing by. However, the building is in need of upgrades to the entire structure – inside and out. Most noticeably the sacristy should be enlarged. I know there are plans already drawn up for this area to be enlarged. By upgrading our building we “uplift” ourselves to continue to invite our community to join us in worship and service. By sprucing up our building and grounds we will provide a visual for folks to join us in worship. I am confident the “Fox Funds” can adequately provide for our upgrades. I see no need to have the members contribute to the cost of these changes. Those funds will provide nicely for giving to others in need and also to our building maintenance. I suggest we start a list of the most immediate needs to the building and make those upgrades happen. Landscaping upgrades would be a huge improvement to our church setting.

Future for Grace:

I would like to see us continue with our traditional church worship service. Personally I need worship as a time for me to soak up the “word” from our Bible. When I feel “full” of worship I am then able to go out into my life and be a missionary to others. But I do need to be “filled” up with the WORD of GOD through the teaching with our Bible.

I would prefer social issues be discussed in length during an “adult” education hour. So many needs – CASA, homeless adults and teens, isolated seniors, LGBQ+, needs of Native Americans, mentally challenged, disabled population, Veterans, immigration issues, etc. I don’t think we should be defined as focusing on one group of compromised individuals in need of empathy and/or financial needs.

With our reopening coming up, how are you feeling about that?

I’m looking forward to it. I wish we had been able to do so earlier. When Pastor James mentioned a week ago about the children not being vaccinated that was an issue I hadn’t thought about. We have a big church and not a huge congregation so we should be able to space ourselves and do all the appropriate guidelines. If we don’t do it now, what are we going to lose? We really need our music ministry administration back again as well. Bergen and Clara have done a tremendous job in providing a continuity for our music during worship. Very appreciated.

Jan, thank you so much. You have added a lot. Is there anything that we haven’t covered you want to mention?

Thanks for asking. Just one thing to mention and not as a complaint, because I realize these might be difficult to coordinate. I am hopeful in the future the church leadership and staff will communicate more often and perhaps via mail. Many people at Grace do not participate on the computer via Zoom, email and various social media. Perhaps sending out our newsletter and really filling it with updates on the progress of the many, many activities available. I know paper and postage is expensive but more info needs to be reaching our membership on Fox Fund, Social Concerns (very active group), building structure upgrades, etc etc.