When Generosity and Justice Collide in Fiction and in Real Life: Book Talk with Anne Shaw Heinrich, Author of The Women of Paradise County Series

Join author Anne Shaw Heinrich in Fellowship Hall at 11:45am on Sunday, November 2nd for a discussion of her new book, Violet is Blue, which has strong themes around generosity, poverty and wealth, and what motivates our giving. Anne will have books for sale (card, check, or cash payments accepted) on October 26th and November 2nd, with 100% of proceeds benefitting the Grace UMC Food Pantry. There are also books available for purchase during office hours and two books available to borrow at no cost. If you prefer audio or ebooks, the book is available through Audible at https://www.audible.com/pd/Violet-is-Blue-Audiobook/B0FH59GYDN.

Along with the engaging conversation and lecture, attendees will enjoy a free soup lunch! This is a great chance to continue the conversation about food insecurity, justice, and generosity. Please RSVP by Wednesday, October 29th to ensure we have enough soup and books available: https://forms.gle/YZ1DmB76Dh2GuWpD8

Violet is Blue is the second in The Women of Paradise County, a three-book series published by Speaking Volumes , Violet is Blue follows Heinrich’s debut novel, God Bless the Child, released in 2024. Book Three, House of Teeth, releases in June 2026. Paradise County is nestled in the heart of America’s Midwest, where the wounded create spaces and places for themselves that simmer just beneath the surface. For more information about Anne Heinrich or The Women of Paradise County, visit https://www.anneshawheinrich.com/

Grounded Sermon Series

Join Grace UMC in the month of November for a new sermon and small group series! This Small Group curriculum is comprised of excerpts from the book Grounded by Diana Butler Bass. She points to the institutional religious decline of our nation, while lifting the rise in spirituality. Grounded meets at the intersection of ecotheology and personal spirituality, urging our spiritually back toward creation. There are three Small Group options offered weekly. Pick the time and location that works best for you. Curriculum will be provided. There is no homework or pre-reading required. Visit www.graceumc-stl.org/smallgroup for links and group schedules.

Pumpkins, Pizza, & Pizzazz

On Sunday, October 19th  from 11:30am-1pm, Grace will host a family pumpkin decorating event in Fellowship Center! Pumpkins, Pizza and Pizzazz is a chance for families to come together to share pizza lunch and then decorate pumpkins with crazy (or lovely) faces. No carving, no painting. We provide all the fun stuff. Plan on about an hour of great fun and visiting time. To register, visit https://forms.gle/SXvdDpv1Du7uYPMq9

November Short Courses

All are welcome to participate in November short courses focusing on caring for our earth! This month, short courses will meet in the Parlor from 9:30-10:15am.

November 2: Dr. Jess Watson, Executive Director of earthday365, will be speaking on how their programs help promote restaurant sustainability, food waste reduction, recycling and composting policy, while connecting with community groups to address environmental justice issues. She will specifically focus on actions that churches and individuals can take in our current political climate to continue to push the region towards greater sustainability.

November 9: Gibron Jones, a partner from Confluence Farms

November 16: Ellen Sulser from Forest ReLeaf of Missouri

Grace UMC Book Club

Join the Grace UMC Book Club for our next meeting on Tuesday, November 4th at 7pm  via Zoom (Meeting ID: 873 6844 4628; Passcode: 820291). The November Book Club selection is Stories of Your Life and Others by Ted Chiang. It’s a book of short stories, and we’ll plan to discuss at least these four (if you don’t have time to read them all): “Tower of Babel”, “Stories of your Life”, “Liking What you See: A Documentary”, and “Hell is the Absence of God.” There is A LOT to think about here. You might consider leaving time to read the title story “Stories of your Life” twice, particularly if you never saw the Oscar-nominated movie, Arrival (2016). Think of these as “Visionary Speculative” rather than “Science Fiction”.  Great writing, and great material for discussion! 

United Women in Faith

Come learn about sustainable farming! You are Invited to join the United Women in Faith for a special program on Tuesday, November 4th. Following our usual lunch at 12:30pm ($5 donation suggested), we will be led in devotions and program by Matt and Lisa Moreland. Lisa is the daughter of Mariann Baker and grew up here at Grace. Matt and Lisa will share about their life on the farm, their multi-generational family farm and their knowledge about, and efforts towards, sustainable farming.

LifeWise STL Holiday Market

For decades, we have brought gifts to contribute to the LifeWise STL Holiday Market. This year, you are again encouraged to bring gifts for this Market. You may bring them to either worship service on Sunday, November 23rd, or you may bring them to the church office prior to November 23rd. Please do not wrap the gifts. They will be displayed unwrapped in the Holiday Market. All items should be new. Families will be allowed to shop for (and purchase at a steep discount) gifts for their family. 

Here is a link to the Holiday Market Wish List on the LifeWise STL website: https://www.lifewisestl.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Holiday-Market-Wish-List-updated-8-2025.pdf

You can also purchase gifts from their Amazon Wish List to be sent directly to LifeWise: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1RS3JBA9SSD98

Sunday Morning Hospitality Team

Are you feeling called to serve on Grace UMC’s Sunday Morning Hospitality Team? Serving on the Sunday Morning Hospitality Team is a wonderful way to share the grace and love of God with all who enter our building! This ministry welcomes newcomers to Grace UMC, ensuring all who enter our building on Sunday morning experience the intentionally open and kind spirit of our congregation. There are multiple opportunities to serve on the Sunday Morning Hospitality Team as either a Greeter or an Usher. To learn more about these roles, please visit www.graceumc-stl.org/hospitality. This page includes a sign up sheet, or you can just show up!

Lift Every Voice: Advocacy Scripts from the Social Justice Team

Grace UMC's Social Justice Team has been sending out Lift Every Voice emails to make it easier to make your voice heard on important legislative issues. Each email includes a quick, concise explanation of one concerning issue, a link for more detailed information, a list of names and associated emails/phone numbers of appropriate elected officials, and a pre-written script to use or ignore at your discretion. Click here to sign up and access previous issues.

LuMin College Ministry: Sunday Nights at the Campus House

Join LuMin College Ministry at LuMin House (7019 Forsyth Blvd.) for Upper Room Worship @ 7:30 pm and Fellowship Gathering @ 8:30pm. No experience necessary. You are welcome. Visit www.lcmstl.org for more information. Contact Pastor Tina, Campus Pastor, at 314-626-3202 or pastorluminstl@gmail.com.

Friday Nights @ LuMin House

You are welcome to some or all of these gatherings at the campus house (7019 Forsyth Blvd - corner of Big Bend & Forsyth).

Game Night - November 7 from 6pm - 8 pm

Bring a board game or choose one of ours - we’ll gather for conquests and/or laughs. We’ll also have light snacks and beverages.

Creative Arts Night - November 14 from 6pm - 8pm

Bring a craft to work on or try one that we have. Help bake a treat or two. We’ll have conversation, snacks, and lots of fun!