08/12/2026
We invite you to join us on Sunday, August 30, for ONE SERVICE at 10:00 am, followed by a BBQ lunch and party with our church band (Consorting with Papists) and dancing! Whether you were part of Spirit of Grace for one chapter many years ago, are part of our community today, or have been inspired by our witness and are curious about the chapters still to be written, we'd love to celebrate with you!
‘80s costumes are strongly encouraged!
RSVP here so we know how many people we'll be feeding, and let us know if you're able to volunteer to help with the event! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfxDW0yZPdHuqP2kmf0C_1HH9AdOmcCtmPieZdsAb6xfZ1xTQ/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=108168765706097606437
Over the years we've had prophetic, amazing priests and pastors, and we've hosted at least three Catholic archbishops and three Lutheran bishops for ecumenical discussions. We’ve raised incredible young people who call themselves Lutheran-Catholics; journeyed together countless times to Holden Village; became one of the first ELCA churches to become Reconciling in Christ; and lived out our commitment to LGBTQIA+ justice by calling a q***r pastor, hosting a nonbinary intern, having Pride booths, and facilitating four years of Q***r Grace coffeehouses.
We built an amazing labyrinth. A capital campaign helped us add a beautiful entry hall, kitchen, and restrooms. We’ve hosted a Korean church, farm stand, preschool, and community groups; weathered congregational conflicts and staffing challenges; and cared for our grounds through the talented Dirt Siblings, who have restored native habitat, cultivated pollinator gardens, shared native plants through community plant sales, and engaged children and youth in caring for creation. We’ve hosted four interns and a summer seminarian; birthed a bishop; marched, rallied, and worked for social justice; and supported food pantries and families in need in our neighborhood. We’ve painfully separated for Eucharist each Sunday to our separate liturgies; changed our name to better reflect who we are; and developed creative approaches to the pandemic through “Tiny Churches” and a hybrid Zoom balcony.
We walked through one of the deepest losses in our history, when the Archbishop prohibited Roman Catholic priests from celebrating Eucharist with us. This turned into a gift when we ordained Rev. Vinci as a Catholic woman priest!! We’ve held some amazing parties, and most important, learned together and built strong, longstanding friendships and community.
Join us as we celebrate God's faithfulness, honor the people who have carried this community through every chapter, and recommit ourselves to the next chapter God is writing through Spirit of Grace. If you've joined Spirit of Grace recently, this anniversary is your story too. Come discover the remarkable community you've become part of and help us imagine where God is leading us next.
While many churches have struggled in the last four decades, Spirit of Grace continues to grow in faith, love, and ministry. As grateful as we are for the first 40 years, we're even more excited about the next 40.
It’s the Power of Love! Let’s party!!
Marie Gettel-Gilmartin and the fabulous 40th anniversary planning team!
Karen Lindquist, Pastor Robyn, Ruth and David Taylor, April Brenden-Locke, Sharie Parks, Mike Gettel-Gilmartin, and Reverend Vinci
