Upcoming Events
There's always something going on at Grace!
Check out the details of upcoming events for learning, fellowship, or community gatherings. Join us as we grow in faith and fellowship together. We’d love for you to be part of our community!
Read with Grace
Do you love to read? Are you interested in discovering new books and genres? This is a lively group where each month's discussion stands alone, so you can participate for just one month or for many!
If you would like to join, please email Margo Swanson at swansonmes@aol.com to be added to our notification list.
For more information and a complete list of books for 2026, please visit https://www.gracelutheranadel.org/read-with-grace.
Book of the Month: “Magic Hour”, by Kristin Hannah
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83711405764?pwd=a0RvVnI0bktyeWJZSDhEb2luVG9Bdz09
Meeting ID: 837 1140 5764
Passcode: 372643
Read with Grace
Do you love to read? Are you interested in discovering new books and genres? This is a lively group where each month's discussion stands alone, so you can participate for just one month or for many!
If you would like to join, please email Margo Swanson at swansonmes@aol.com to be added to our notification list.
For more information and a complete list of books for 2026, please visit https://www.gracelutheranadel.org/read-with-grace.
Book of the Month: “The Deep Sky”, by Yume Kitasei
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83711405764?pwd=a0RvVnI0bktyeWJZSDhEb2luVG9Bdz09
Meeting ID: 837 1140 5764
Passcode: 372643
Read with Grace
Do you love to read? Are you interested in discovering new books and genres? This is a lively group where each month's discussion stands alone, so you can participate for just one month or for many!
If you would like to join, please email Margo Swanson at swansonmes@aol.com to be added to our notification list.
For more information and a complete list of books for 2026, please visit https://www.gracelutheranadel.org/read-with-grace.
Book of the Month: “The Rose Code”, by Kate Quinn
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83711405764?pwd=a0RvVnI0bktyeWJZSDhEb2luVG9Bdz09
Meeting ID: 837 1140 5764
Passcode: 372643
Read with Grace
Do you love to read? Are you interested in discovering new books and genres? This is a lively group where each month's discussion stands alone, so you can participate for just one month or for many!
If you would like to join, please email Margo Swanson at swansonmes@aol.com to be added to our notification list.
For more information and a complete list of books for 2026, please visit https://www.gracelutheranadel.org/read-with-grace.
Book of the Month: “A Fever in the Heartland”, by Timothy Egan
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83711405764?pwd=a0RvVnI0bktyeWJZSDhEb2luVG9Bdz09
Meeting ID: 837 1140 5764
Passcode: 372643
Read with Grace
Do you love to read? Are you interested in discovering new books and genres? This is a lively group where each month's discussion stands alone, so you can participate for just one month or for many!
If you would like to join, please email Margo Swanson at swansonmes@aol.com to be added to our notification list.
For more information and a complete list of books for 2026, please visit https://www.gracelutheranadel.org/read-with-grace.
Book of the Month: “King Leopold's Ghost: A Story of Greed, Terror, and Heroism in Colonial Africa”, by Adam Hochschild
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83711405764?pwd=a0RvVnI0bktyeWJZSDhEb2luVG9Bdz09
Meeting ID: 837 1140 5764
Passcode: 372643
Read with Grace
Do you love to read? Are you interested in discovering new books and genres? This is a lively group where each month's discussion stands alone, so you can participate for just one month or for many!
If you would like to join, please email Margo Swanson at swansonmes@aol.com to be added to our notification list.
For more information and a complete list of books for 2026, please visit https://www.gracelutheranadel.org/read-with-grace.
Book of the Month: “The Last Lifeboat”, by Hazel Gaynor
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83711405764?pwd=a0RvVnI0bktyeWJZSDhEb2luVG9Bdz09
Meeting ID: 837 1140 5764
Passcode: 372643
Read with Grace
Do you love to read? Are you interested in discovering new books and genres? This is a lively group where each month's discussion stands alone, so you can participate for just one month or for many!
If you would like to join, please email Margo Swanson at swansonmes@aol.com to be added to our notification list.
For more information and a complete list of books for 2026, please visit https://www.gracelutheranadel.org/read-with-grace.
Book of the Month: “My Friends”, by Fredrik Backman
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83711405764?pwd=a0RvVnI0bktyeWJZSDhEb2luVG9Bdz09
Meeting ID: 837 1140 5764
Passcode: 372643
Read with Grace
Do you love to read? Are you interested in discovering new books and genres? This is a lively group where each month's discussion stands alone, so you can participate for just one month or for many!
If you would like to join, please email Margo Swanson at swansonmes@aol.com to be added to our notification list.
For more information and a complete list of books for 2026, please visit https://www.gracelutheranadel.org/read-with-grace.
Book of the Month: “All the Sinners Bleed (a fiction thriller - finding a serial killer)”, by S.A. Crosby
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83711405764?pwd=a0RvVnI0bktyeWJZSDhEb2luVG9Bdz09
Meeting ID: 837 1140 5764
Passcode: 372643
Read with Grace
Do you love to read? Are you interested in discovering new books and genres? This is a lively group where each month's discussion stands alone, so you can participate for just one month or for many!
If you would like to join, please email Margo Swanson at swansonmes@aol.com to be added to our notification list.
For more information and a complete list of books for 2027, please visit https://www.gracelutheranadel.org/read-with-grace.
Book of the Month: “Dear America”, by Jose Antonio Vargas
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83711405764?pwd=a0RvVnI0bktyeWJZSDhEb2luVG9Bdz09
Meeting ID: 837 1140 5764
Passcode: 372643
Communion Class
Save the date for Wednesday, March 12, the Christian Education classes will learn about Holy Communion for the first time or as a refresher.
PreK-1st grade – Pastor Tania will teach a class with kids and parents/caregivers that will include first communion instruction and practice.
2nd-6th grade – Bake communion bread.
Read with Grace
Do you love to read? Are you interested in discovering new books and genres? This is a lively group where each month's discussion stands alone, so you can participate for just one month or for many!
If you would like to join, please email Margo Swanson at swansonmes@aol.com to be added to our notification list.
For more information and a complete list of books for 2026, please visit https://www.gracelutheranadel.org/read-with-grace.
Book of the Month: “Demon Copperhead”, by Barbara Kingsolver
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83711405764?pwd=a0RvVnI0bktyeWJZSDhEb2luVG9Bdz09
Meeting ID: 837 1140 5764
Passcode: 372643
Easter Festival Worship
Join us at 9:00 am for Easter festival worship with songs of joyful praise! Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!
Easter Sunrise Service
Join us at 6:30 am for Easter Sunrise worship. We will gather outside around the campfire, weather permitting, to remember the resurrection dawn and the new light of Easter. Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!
Join us for fellowship with cinnamon rolls and coffee between services!
Palm Sunday Community Choir Sing
Join us for an evening of performances to benefit the Adel Good Samaritan Food Pantry. The concert will feature several ensembles and a combined choir of local congregations.
St. John’s Catholic Church
24043 302nd Place, Adel, Iowa
A time for fellowship and snacks will follow the concert.
Palm/Passion Sunday
Today, we encounter the both/and paradoxes that define our faith: Jesus Christ is both glorified king and humiliated servant. Join us to wave palms and sing hosanna, and then hear the Passion according to Matthew from the confirmation students.
Procession with Palms: Matthew 21:1-11
The Passion of the Lord: Matthew 26:14—27:66, read by the confirmation class
Read with Grace
Do you love to read? Are you interested in discovering new books and genres? This is a lively group where each month's discussion stands alone, so you can participate for just one month or for many!
If you would like to join, please email Margo Swanson at swansonmes@aol.com to be added to our notification list.
For more information and a complete list of books for 2026, please visit https://www.gracelutheranadel.org/read-with-grace.
Book of the Month: “James”, by Percival Everett
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83711405764?pwd=a0RvVnI0bktyeWJZSDhEb2luVG9Bdz09
Meeting ID: 837 1140 5764
Passcode: 372643
Lutheran Day on the Hill
Lutheran Day on the Hill is a day of learning and advocacy at the State Capitol with the three Iowa synods of the ELCA.
February Self-Care SomaYoga Series
This 4-session class with licensed instructor, Kerri Hardy, will include SomaYoga mindful movement, introduction to yoga basics for all levels, and self-care principles based on Ayurvedic principles.
Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper and Games
Grace’s annual “fat Tuesday” celebration with feasting, fellowship, and fun for all ages.
February Self-Care SomaYoga Series
This 4-session class with licensed instructor, Kerri Hardy, will include SomaYoga mindful movement, introduction to yoga basics for all levels, and self-care principles based on Ayurvedic principles.
Read with Grace
Do you love to read? Are you interested in discovering new books and genres? This is a lively group where each month's discussion stands alone, so you can participate for just one month or for many!
If you would like to join, please email Margo Swanson at swansonmes@aol.com to be added to our notification list.
For more information and a complete list of books for 2026, please visit https://www.gracelutheranadel.org/read-with-grace.
Book of the Month: “The Quiet Librarian”, by Allen Eskers
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83711405764?pwd=a0RvVnI0bktyeWJZSDhEb2luVG9Bdz09
Meeting ID: 837 1140 5764
Passcode: 372643
February Self-Care SomaYoga Series
This 4-session class with licensed instructor, Kerri Hardy, will include SomaYoga mindful movement, introduction to yoga basics for all levels, and self-care principles based on Ayurvedic principles.
February Self-Care SomaYoga Series
This 4-session class with licensed instructor, Kerri Hardy, will include SomaYoga mindful movement, introduction to yoga basics for all levels, and self-care principles based on Ayurvedic principles.
Annual Meeting of the Congregation
The annual meeting of the congregation (and awesome potluck) will be on Sunday, January 25, 2026. The potluck will start at 10:30 am (or so) with the meeting following. This is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the past year and look ahead to where God is calling us in 2026. The annual report will be available at Grace on Sunday, January 11.
Read with Grace
Do you love to read? Are you interested in discovering new books and genres? This is a lively group where each month's discussion stands alone, so you can participate for just one month or for many!
If you would like to join, please email Margo Swanson at swansonmes@aol.com to be added to our notification list.
For more information and a complete list of books for 2026, please visit https://www.gracelutheranadel.org/read-with-grace.
Book of the Month: “The Cowboy and the Cossack”, by Clair Huffaker
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83711405764?pwd=a0RvVnI0bktyeWJZSDhEb2luVG9Bdz09
Meeting ID: 837 1140 5764
Passcode: 372643
Christmas Eve worship
Join us for worship on Christmas Eve with carols, candles, and readings to celebrate the birth of Jesus! All are welcome!
Worship will also be available over Zoom https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84519885125?pwd=YSir2lyyELJi2sTYsM1gAiMagcoT4f.1
Meeting ID: 845 1988 5125
Passcode: grace
Christmas Eve worship
Join us for worship on Christmas Eve with carols, candles, and readings to celebrate the birth of Jesus! All are welcome!
Worship will also be available over Zoom https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84519885125?pwd=YSir2lyyELJi2sTYsM1gAiMagcoT4f.1
Meeting ID: 845 1988 5125
Passcode: grace
Christmas Choir Cantata with Adel UMC - "Light of Christ, Born for Us"
Join us for the annual Christmas Choir Cantata: “Light of Christ, Born for Us”
12/14 - 9:00 a.m at Grace Lutheran Church
12/14 - 10:30 a.m. at Adel UMC (Worship is still at 9:00 a.m. at Grace)
12/17 - 6:35 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church
Worship at Grace will include Holy Communion, and ALL are welcome at the Lord’s table.
Christmas with Grace celebration for all ages!!
Celebrate the joy of the season at our annual “Wednesdays with Grace” Christmas Celebration for all ages!
5:00 pm - Community Meal
5:30 pm - Children’s Christmas Program
6:00 pm - Christian Education Christmas Party with cookie-decorating, crafts, and games
6:35 pm - Worship with Choir Cantata
We invite you to worship with us this Advent and Christmas season as we celebrate Christ’s birth. You – just as you are, just as God created you to be – are welcome here! There is a place for you with Grace!
Read with Grace
Do you love to read? Are you interested in discovering new books and genres? This is a lively group where each month's discussion stands alone, so you can participate for just one month or for many!
If you would like to join, please email Margo Swanson at swansonmes@aol.com to be added to our notification list.
For more information and a complete list of books for 2025, please visit https://www.gracelutheranadel.org/read-with-grace.
Book of the Month: “Lord of the Flies”, by William Golding
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83711405764?pwd=a0RvVnI0bktyeWJZSDhEb2luVG9Bdz09
Meeting ID: 837 1140 5764
Passcode: 372643
Christmas Choir Cantata with Adel UMC - "Light of Christ, Born for Us"
Join us for the annual Christmas Choir Cantata: “Light of Christ, Born for Us”
12/14 - 9:00 a.m at Grace Lutheran Church
12/14 - 10:30 a.m. at Adel UMC (Worship is still at 9:00 a.m. at Grace)
12/17 - 6:35 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church
Worship at Grace will include Holy Communion, and ALL are welcome at the Lord’s table.
Animate: Faith
11/16 Church| An Imperfect Family | Bruce Reyes-Chow: Bruce Reyes-Chow knows he’s not inventing the metaphor of the church as family. So he suggests we take our changing notions about what it means to be a family and let them seep into our understanding of the church. For Bruce, it’s the messiness, the dysfunction, and the joy that comes from complex relationships that make church worth hanging on to. So how do we stay connected to this sometimes-broken family system? What does it mean to commit ourselves to the church family, for better or for worse? Watch a preview with Bruce here!
Affirmation of Baptism - Logan Maffin
On Sunday, November 16, we will celebrate as Logan Maffin, son of Mitch and Kari Maffin, makes public affirmation of his faith and the promises made on his behalf at baptism. There will be a cake reception during fellowship. Logan's confirmation verse is Jeremiah 29:11 - "For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope."
Confirmation in the Lutheran tradition describes the faith formation, learning, and experiences that prepare students for the Affirmation of Baptism service and the life of discipleship that follows. Often, people also use the word “confirmation” to mean the worship service where students affirm those baptismal promises and become voting members of the congregation. At Grace, we explore the Bible (story of God and God’s people), God’s promises in Jesus (covenant), a Lutheran understanding of faith and beliefs, our own faith, and the baptismal promises as gifts of discipleship for our daily lives throughout our whole life.
Read with Grace
Do you love to read? Are you interested in discovering new books and genres? This is a lively group where each month's discussion stands alone, so you can participate for just one month or for many!
If you would like to join, please email Margo Swanson at swansonmes@aol.com to be added to our notification list.
For more information and a complete list of books for 2025, please visit https://www.gracelutheranadel.org/read-with-grace.
Book of the Month: “The Book Woman's Daughter”, by Kim Michele Richardson
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83711405764?pwd=a0RvVnI0bktyeWJZSDhEb2luVG9Bdz09
Meeting ID: 837 1140 5764
Passcode: 372643
Animate: Faith
11/9 Salvation | Abundant Life Now | Shane Hipps: The cross of Christ stands as a symbol of God’s saving work. But what, exactly, does it mean to be saved? From what? For what? Is salvation a reward we claim at death or something meant to change our lives right now? For Shane Hipps, these are the questions we need to answer if we are to truly receive the release that comes with salvation in the here and now. Watch a preview with Shane here!