Wed 12/27: NO GROUP

Hey all,

We're out of town this week and won't be hosting group.
Feel free to get together at someone else's house if you wish.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

The Graceys

Wed 12/20: Nachos Night

Hey guys,

This week is build-your-own nachos night!
We'll have a sheet pan of chips with melted cheese, along with ground pork on the side.
If you're dairy-free, we'll have extra chips without cheese you can have.
Since we're providing the cheese, chips and ground pork, go ahead and bring the toppings.
Ideas include (but are not limited to):

• Meats (chicken, ground beef, steak...)
• Beans (black or refried)
• Red onion
• Tomato
• Jalapeño
• Black olives
• Sour cream (or plain greek yogurt if you're feeling healthy)
• Guacamole
• Salsa
• Tortillas (because sometimes people prefer burritos)
• Anything else

See you Wednesday!

- Leanna

Wed 12/13: Sandwich Night

Hey all,

The semester is ending and so Andrew and I are taking the path of resistance and doing something super easy this week: Sandwich Night.
Jonny suggested grilled PB&J with banana - this is a delicious option.
We have an enormous jar of crunchy peanut butter and strawberry jelly (as well as a George Forman grill).
However, you don't have to go this route - feel free to bring whatever toppings, breads, sides, drinks, or desserts you'd like and we'll build our own sandwiches.
P.S: If someone wants to bring a griddle that would be swell.

Thanks,
Leanna

Wed 12/6: Thai The Knot

Hey all,

Technically it's Scatter Week, but since we were out of town for Thanksgiving we thought it'd be fun to meet at the new restaurant "Thai The Knot" in Newberg for dinner.
Let's meet there at 6:30 pm on Wednesday.
Comment below if you can come.

Thanks!
The Graceys

Wednesday 11/29: Salad Night

Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

After all the mashed potatoes and stuffing we had, we're looking to eat a bit healthier. So let's do Salad Night this week!

We'll provide a large carton of spinach, and olive oil and balsamic vinaigrette for dressing. Feel free to bring any toppings, meats, and/or extra dressings you like.

Thanks!
Leanna

Wed 11/22: NO GROUP

Hey guys,

No group at the Gracey's since we are in New Mexico this week.
Feel free to organize something on here if someone else wants to host.
We'll see you guys next week.

Thanks!
Leanna

Wed. 11/15: Friendsgiving!!!

Hey all,

Welcome to FRIENDSGIVING NIGHT!!!

NOTE: We'll be starting at 7pm to give everyone more time to cook, shop, chop, bake, prepare, and otherwise collect food. Don't worry - it doesn't have to be gourmet, and you don't even have to cook if you don't want to - just bring your food prepared and ready to go. We'll plan on eating right at 7pm so everyone can get home when they need to.

We'll provide a turkey. Go ahead and bring any of the following:

• Mashed potatoes and gravy
• Rolls, butter and jam
• Green bean casserole
• Your favorite "family tradition" meal/side dish
• Veggie trays and/or Fruit trays 
• That jello mold with the fruit in it that your grandma serves every year
• Any other vegetable
• Any other dish
• Drinks - we'll have wine here
• Dessert (Pecan pie, pumpkin pie, etc)

Thanks!

The Graceys

Wed 11/8: Fajita Salad

Hey all,

Happy November!

Let's do Fajita Salad this week! We'll provide marinated chicken, cilantro, jalapeños, and homemade Chili Lime dressing (olive oil based). Options of things to bring include:

• Romaine lettuce (about 2-3 bags)
• Mexican corn or regular corn
• Black beans
• Sautéed peppers (or sauté them when you get here)
• Sautéed onions (or sauté them when you get here)
• Steak 
• Shrimp
• Mexican cheese
• Pico de gallo
• Avocado
• Guacamole
• Any other topping
• Any other kind of dressing
• Sides
• Drinks
• Desserts

Thanks!

Leanna

Wed 11/1: SCATTER WEEK

Happy November!

There's no group this week. Go out and do something nice for someone else. Also, use this as a self-care day. Because life is hard sometimes.

See you next week!
The Graceys

Wed 10/25: Comfort Food Night

This Wednesday is Comfort Food Night! Really, it's just an excuse for me to try out my new mac and cheese recipe. 😉
Bring your favorite comfort foods - all items are up for grabs. Also, feel free to bring frozen foods if you wish - you can bake them here.

Thanks!
Leanna

Wed 10/18: Baked Potato Bar

This week's theme is Baked Potato Bar! We'll provide the potatoes - bring whatever toppings you'd like!

Also, we're serving in Kids Ministry this week - if you haven't signed up here's the link:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1khNOy82sPkcpxwEaKyZoj0ACRjV4f7PjpLa9arMIxa4/edit?usp=sharing

Just FYI, they've come out with a Kids Ministry schedule to make it easier on everyone. Here it is:

Barber's/Swartz's CG: 1st Sunday of the month

Gibson's CG: 2nd Sunday of the month
Bascom's CG: 3rd Sunday of the month
Gracey's CG: 4th Sunday of the month

Thanks!

Leanna

WED 10/11: PAD THAI

Hey all,

Let's do Pad Thai this week. It'll most likely be ordered from a restaurant, so feel free to either bring a few bucks to help cover the cost or a side dish/dessert.
I'll make sure there's at least some without meat.

Thanks!
Leanna

Wed 10/4: SCATTER WEEK

No group this week! Go out and enjoy life!

Wed 9/27: Spaghetti Night

Good morning all,

Thanks for serving in Kids Ministry! So, so appreciative of each of you. We made it!

This week is comfort food week aka pasta week aka my favorite week.

Graceys will be providing cheese-stuffed meatballs.

I'll need someone to bring pasta (and another to bring gluten-free pasta if necessary).

I'll also need someone to bring pasta sauce (or multiple sauces).

Salad, garlic bread, drinks, desserts, etc. are also highly encouraged.


Thanks!
Leanna

Wed 9/20

Hey all,

We're volunteering in Kids Ministry this Sunday! Here's the link to sign up:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1khNOy82sPkcpxwEaKyZoj0ACRjV4f7PjpLa9arMIxa4/edit#gid=0


The weather is cold and rainy (YAY!) which means it's ideal chili weather!
I'll be making this vegan chili recipe: https://jessicainthekitchen.com/vegan-crockpot-quinoa-black-bean-chili/
Go ahead and bring toppings (ideas are on the site but feel free to bring lots more) and sides (like bread or salad).
Drinks and desserts are also good things.

Thanks! See you Wednesday!
Leanna

WED 9/13: BYOD = Bring Your Own Dinner

Hey all, I am all out of ideas for group this week (with very little energy to devote to thinking up new ones) so this week is free-for-all week!
Bring whatever you were planning on cooking/ordering/eating to group. There is NO obligation to share (but you are welcome to bring shareable snacks/meals if you feel so inclined).
You don't need to comment on the blog this week, since everyone is bringing their own thing.

See you Wednesday!
Leanna

Wed 9/6: GIRLS NIGHT

Hey all,

Wednesday September 6th is supposed to be scatter week, but we've decided to do a girls night instead! Elizabeth has graciously offered her home here in Newberg to host the festivities.
She'll be buying pizza, so please bring a few dollars for reimbursement. You can also bring drinks, snacks, and other sides. Games are also welcome! Let's meet at 7pm at Elizabeth's home. The address is: 1111 N. College St. in Newberg. (Make sure to put four 1's in your GPS when driving).

Thanks!
Leanna

WED 8/30

Hey all,

We're going to do Make A Salad night this week!
We'll provide a big container of spinach - please bring any toppings (including meat and otherwise) you want to add.
As always, filling sides, desserts and drinks are also welcome.

Thanks!
Leanna

WED 8/23

Hey group,

We're up this week for kids! Here's the signup sheet:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1khNOy82sPkcpxwEaKyZoj0ACRjV4f7PjpLa9arMIxa4/edit?usp=sharing

This week we're sticking with something easy and simple: sandwiches.
We'll provide bread, roast beef, and cheddar cheese. Feel free to bring whatever breads, meats, cheeses, or toppings you want. We have mayo and mustard at the house. We also have a George Foreman if people want to make paninis.
Sides, drinks, and desserts are also good.

Thanks!
Leanna

WED 9/6

Hey all,

Wednesday September 6th is supposed to be scatter week, but we've decided to do a girls night instead! Elizabeth has graciously offered her home here in Newberg to host the festivities.
Comment below if you can come, and what you can bring! Let's go with snacks and drinks.

As for the guys, you're more than welcome to go out for a beer or something if you want. Feel free to comment below if you want to set something up.

Thanks!
Leanna

WED 8/16

Hey all,

We have a ton of hot dogs and buns leftover from our Deck Party, so this week is Hot Dog/Free-For-All week. Which means if you don't want to eat a hot dog, you're welcome to bring whatever your heart desires.
Drinks, desserts, and sides are always welcome.

Thanks,
Leanna

WED 8/9

Hey, good morning group members!

This week I want to try something new...Build Your Own Grilled Hawaiian Chicken Teriyaki Bowls!
I know...it's a mouthful. Here's a link to give you an idea of what it looks like:
http://tastesbetterfromscratch.com/grilled-hawaiian-chicken-teriyaki-bowls/


We'll provide the chicken and rice, as well as a red onion. Bring whatever veggies/meats/additions you want to add to your bowl! Ideas include fresh pineapple, zucchini, tofu, sweet bell peppers, steak, fish, toasted coconut, etc. (You don't have to stick with what the recipe says - bring whatever sounds good). Drinks, sides and desserts are also welcome.

When you get here we'll grill everything, so don't worry about cooking the veggies or meats beforehand.

Thanks! See you Wednesday!
Leanna

WED 8/2

Hey all,

This week is scatter week, so no group tonight!
Also, food truck lunch has been canceled due to ridiculously hot weather.
Stay cool!

The Graceys

WED 7/26

Hey group,

Andrew's in Chicago and I'm in Denver, which means we will NOT be having group at our house this week! However, if anyone else wants to host, feel free.

ALSO - if anyone is free next Wednesday afternoon (8/2)  Andrew and I are heading down to the new food trucks in Newberg for lunch. We'd love it if you'd join us! Please comment below if you can come. Time TBD.

Keep in mind we'll be doing Kids Ministry this coming Sunday (7/30). Sign up at the link below!
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1khNOy82sPkcpxwEaKyZoj0ACRjV4f7PjpLa9arMIxa4/edit?usp=sharing

Thanks,
Leanna

FRIDAY 7/21

Hey all,

As many of you know, we also belong to a Colossae community group in Tigard. Since summer means everyone is busy, we've decided to combine groups this week and all hang out at Snyder Park in Sherwood! 

We'll be meeting on FRIDAY the 21st (so no group Wednesday) at 6:00pm.  Bring your own picnic dinner (you don't have to share), as well as a chair to sit on in case there are no picnic tables available. Bring a football, frisbee, lawn games, etc. if you want and we can play :)

Have a great week! See you Friday!
Leanna 

Wed 7/12/17

We just got our new deck installed so let's just hang out in the back yard and fire up the grill. Bring whatever you want to grill and we'll grab a few sides as well.

-- Andrew

Wed. July 5th - NO GROUP

There's no group this week! Enjoy the sunshine!

Wed June 28: Pita Pizza

Hey guys,

Gonna try a new thing: Pita Pizzas! You can top your pita (or naan bread, or gluten free pizza crust) with any toppings you'd like. Ideas include: diced tomatoes, hummus, sun-dried tomato pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, parmesan, spinach, red onion, feta, olives, roasted red pepper, chicken, tofu, artichokes, fresh mushrooms...the list goes on.

Once the pita pizzas are made we can either bake them, grill them, or both!

Graceys will bring 20 Greek pitas - not gluten free. We'll also plan on bringing marinated chicken and shredded spinach😊

Thanks!
Leanna

Wed. 6/21: BYO Salad

Hey guys,

Let's do a Bring Your Own Salad night! Go ahead and bring a salad that you've already prepared, or one that is pre-made (like from Fred Meyer). Options include pasta salad, egg salad, lettuce salad, bean salad, potato salad, chicken salad...you get the picture.
You're also welcome to bring side dishes, desserts, and drinks.

Graceys will provide a tasty pasta salad (goat cheese, arugula, and cherry tomato).

See you Wednesday at 6:30pm!

Wed 5/14: ???

Hey all,

We can't host this week because we're in Portugal!
We would love it if someone else could host, or could come up with a fun group activity you all can do. Feel free to write in the comments below if you need to form a plan.

Have fun! See you next week!
The Graceys

Wed 5/7: SCATTER WEEK

This week is scatter week! Please go off and have dinner with a neighbor, coffee with a classmate/coworker, do a volunteer activity...whatever you wish.

Enjoy the week!
The Graceys

Wed. 5/31

Let's fire up the grill and do a cookout! Please bring your favorite things to grill (meats, veggies, veggie burgers, etc.)
Other options include bringing side dishes (like salad or potato salad), drinks and desserts.
We'll provide burgers.

In other news, the Howells are bringing their brand new puppy! Be prepared to be flooded with the cuteness.

Thanks! See you Wednesday!
The Graceys

Wed 5/24

Hey all,

It's taco night this Wednesday! Bring your favorite taco/burrito things. Feel free to bring extra lettuce if you want a taco salad instead.
We'll provide a crockpot of taco meat.

Also - for gluten-free/dairy-free peeps: apparently New Seasons has coconut tortillas that are supposed to be yummy (and not coconut tasting). These could be a great option.

One more thing - we're picking up a friend at the airport on Wed, so please make plans to leave group by 8:30pm.

Thanks!
The Graceys

Wed 5/17

Hey all,

Let's do "Spring Favorites" this week! Bring a meal you really enjoy eating during the warmer months. We'll bring gluten-free and dairy-free avocado pasta (not enough to be the main dish, but enough for everyone to have some).

See you Wednesday!
The Graceys

Wed 5/10

Hey group,

I found a delicious looking (and excellent rated) Thai curry vegetable soup I want to try. Luckily, it just so happens to be gluten free, dairy free, and vegan, so everyone should be able to eat! Please bring drinks, desserts, sides, etc. I don't have any suggestions for what you could bring just yet, but I'm sure you'll think of something 😉

Thanks!
The Graceys

Guys Night 5/3

For guys night, let's head to Top Golf. Would 6:30 not work for anyone?

https://topgolf.com/us/hillsboro/

Wed 4/26

Hey all,

Dinner this Wednesday is Baked Potato Bar night! We'll provide the baked potatoes - you provide the toppings. Bringing sides, desserts, and drinks is also encouraged.

Thanks! See you Wednesday!
The Graceys

GIRLS NIGHT MAY 3RD

Hey all,

Let's do a Girls Night on Wednesday, May 3rd!
We're meeting at Elizabeth's home at 7 pm. She's located at: 111 N. College St. in Newberg. You'll need to park in the parking lot at First Presbyterian Church. Their door is behind the cars in the carport.
We're doing games and snacks! Please comment and let us know if you can come and what you can bring to the party.

Thanks! Look forward to seeing you ladies!
Leanna

Wed 4/19

Hey all!

Let's do soup night this week. I found a yummy recipe for lasagna soup - however, it's full of gluten, dairy, and ground beef. Feel free to bring either a different soup of your choice, or a side to share.

Thanks!
The Graceys

GOOD FRIDAY 4/14

Hey group!

Steve is having our Newberg group do a Good Friday celebration this week, so we will be meeting on FRIDAY at 6:30 pm and not on the normal Wednesday.
Group on Friday will be very similar to normal, but will include scripture readings, prayer and communion before the meal.

For all newcomers: Welcome! We'd love to have you join us this Friday! Our address is 3715 Vittoria Way Newberg, OR 97132.

As for the dinner, let's do mediterranean quinoa bowls! Topping ideas include: chicken, steak, tofu, feta, olives (green or black), spinach, red and green peppers, pesto, roasted red pepper, artichokes, tomatoes, cucumbers, hummus, tzatziki sauce, etc.

You're also welcome to bring sides (i.e: pita bread and hummus/dipping sauce, salad, etc.), drinks, or desserts.

Graceys will provide quinoa and a roasted red pepper sauce.

Last thing - as you know, this coming Sunday is Easter Sunday, which means it's all hands on deck for Kids Ministry!
They're expecting to have 60 CHILDREN, so they need all the help they can get!
The goal is to have at least 16 volunteers - 3 volunteers per room, with a floater moving around in each room as needed. Please click the link below to sign up to volunteer!

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1JSwzRKyEQMbAXyU_MXtLcWZHZnNBhfs6KAOPWJUBY8U/edit?ts=58ed00d7#gid=0

Thanks! See you on Good Friday!
The Graceys

Wednesday 4/5

Hey group,

This is the first Wednesday of the month, meaning it's SCATTER WEEK!

Go have coffee with a friend, have dinner with a neighbor, go give the homeless something to eat... the ideas are endless.

Love you guys. See you next week!

The Graceys

Wed 3/29

Good morning, group!

As many of you have asked, we ARE having group this week...and that means it's time for Brinner!
Go ahead and bring your Breakfast For Dinner favorites, such as french toast, pancakes, waffles, eggs, sausage, bacon, milk, orange juice, coffee, mimosas, etc.

If we do pancakes, someone will need to bring a griddle.

The Graceys will be providing an egg meat veggie casserole. It is gluten-free (but not dairy-free).

We'll see you soon!

Wed 3/22

Hey group,

First, I wanted to remind you guys that this Sunday is our week to volunteer in Kids Ministry. If you haven't yet signed up and you can make it, please sign up using the link below!
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1khNOy82sPkcpxwEaKyZoj0ACRjV4f7PjpLa9arMIxa4/edit#gid=0

Second, we weren't around for St. Patrick's Day, so I thought it would be fun to do a St. Patty's theme for group this week!

We'll provide corned beef and cabbage with potatoes, onion and carrots - please bring a side dish (such as another potato dish, more cabbage, bread, salad, or anything else), drinks (beer/cider is totally acceptable), dessert...whatever you wish.

Bonus points if it's green!

See you Wednesday,
The Graceys

Wed 3/15

Hey, Newberg group!

First, we just wanted to say how much we love and appreciate each of you. We love being able to see you guys each week, and are so grateful for the community, friendships, and conversations we've built so far.  Our group is seriously awesome.

Second, We'll be out of town in New Mexico this week...however, Jonny and Kelsey are graciously opening their home for community group! They'll post in the comments below what to bring and when to be there. Their address is: 1094 S. Pennington Dr. Unit B Newberg, OR 97132. Have fun!

Third, two Sundays from now (March 26th) is our turn to volunteer in Kids Ministry. Please follow the link below to sign up - there should be at least three volunteers in each room.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1khNOy82sPkcpxwEaKyZoj0ACRjV4f7PjpLa9arMIxa4/edit#gid=0


Thanks all! Have a great week and we'll see you when we get back!

The Graceys

Wed 3/8

Hey all,

Let's do hummus wraps this week!
Ideas include:

• Pitas/Gluten Free Pitas
• Tortillas/Gluten Free Tortillas
• Delicious hummus
• Lettuce/Spinach
• Tomato
• Shredded carrots
• Kalamata olives
• Sun-dried tomato 
• Artichoke hearts
• Roasted vegetables (i.e: peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, etc.)
• Proteins (i.e: chicken, tofu, etc.)
• Red onion
• Feta cheese
• Cucumber

Other options include:

• Drinks
• Dessert
• Side dishes 

We'll be providing pita (regular) and some other tasty things, depending on what everyone else is bringing.

Thanks!

The Graceys

Wed 3/1

Hey y'all,

This week is scatter week!
Although we're not technically meeting this week, we've been thinking about going to the Newberg Growler House for a beer/cider/other delicious beverage on Wednesday night.
If there's enough interest, we'll coordinate a time to meet. Please comment below if you can or cannot go.

Thanks - we'll see you back at our house for group on Wed. 3/8!
The Graceys

Wednesday 2/22

Hey guys!

First things first - this Sunday is our week to take over kids ministry! Sign up using the link below:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1khNOy82sPkcpxwEaKyZoj0ACRjV4f7PjpLa9arMIxa4/edit#gid=0
Steve says they're looking to have THREE per room this time. That way, they have enough volunteers per room to watch the kiddos.

Let's do Italian night on Wednesday! Go ahead and bring your favorite Italian dishes/sides/desserts. Drinks are also acceptable :)
The Graceys will provide cheese-stuffed meatballs in a red sauce.

Thanks!
Leanna

Wed Feb 15

Hey all,

We're in Breckenridge, CO for Leanna's work retreat, so we won't be able to host.
However, you guys are more than welcome to still do group if someone else is willing to host!
Feel free to figure it out in the comments below.

Thanks! See you next week!
The Graceys

Wed Feb 8

Hey all,

This week is Taco Salad night!
We'll provide the meat - go ahead and bring any of the following:

• Lettuce
• Salsa
• Tortilla chips
• Avocado
• Black beans
• Tomatoes 
• Cilantro
• Cheese
• Olives
• Corn 
• Jalapenos
• Side dish
• Drinks
• Dessert
• Something else

Thanks guys! See you Wednesday!

Leanna

Wed feb 1st

It's scatter week this week so there won't be any group. See you guys the 8th!

Wed 1/25

Hey guys,
We were thinking that it might be interesting to do finger foods this week. We will have those little mini pepperoni/cheese croissant things. If you are short on time, Costco has a pretty good selection as well as Fred Meyer and New Seasons.

See you there at 6:30 on Wednesday!

Also, our group is helping with kids this week. Please sign up at

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1khNOy82sPkcpxwEaKyZoj0ACRjV4f7PjpLa9arMIxa4/edit#gid=0

Wed 1/18

Hey all!

Let's try to make "Tostada Night" happen again this week, since last week was canceled.
I accidentally deleted last week's post (oops) so if you would post again what you're bringing this week, that would be great!
As a reminder, I'm providing corn and flour tortillas, a corn/onion/rice/bean mixture, and monterey jack cheese.
Feel free to bring extra toppings, or a side (i.e: salad, beans, chips & salsa, dessert, etc.) to make it more filling.

Thanks! See you this Wednesday!
Leanna