| Welcome, from the People of Urbana Grace! |
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One of the first contacts most people have with Grace is
Janice Roy. For almost twenty years, she has been the friendly voice greeting us
on the phone. She is the "answer lady" for our many questions. Although her
official position is of Janice was born in Urbana. She and her two brothers were baptized at Grace in 1946. Dale Hubert and June Black were two of her Sunday School teachers. She also remembers youth leaders, Ron and Berniel Stinebring. Over the years, she tried other churches but always came back to Grace. Glenn, Janice’s late husband, was also an important part of Grace. He traveled with the youth on work camps, bravely scaled tall ladders to change light bulbs and decorations in the sanctuary, and always had a friendly face to greet people on Sunday morning. The two met on a rather inauspicious blind date. It was Friday the 13th and the power went out. They were married at Grace on June 17, 1978. Their family included son David, and daughters, Angie, Tonya, and Danielle. Grandchildren, Madison and Jared Routh are now a big part of Janice’s life. She enjoys reading and gardening. Besides working at the church, Janice has been a part of the Seekers Sunday School class, taught Sunday School, belonged to the Angelus Bell Choir, is a member of the UMW, and served on various committees. After Glenn’s death, Janice became active in a grief support group specifically for widows and co-founded by Lucinda Collins. Being a part of this group of women has helped her through the difficulties of widowhood and she reaches out to others in that position. About Grace Janice says, "It’s just home to me. Everyone was so supportive when Glenn was sick…I don’t think I will ever forget."
Pictures by the Lighthouse Kids
Grace United Methodist Church: Dear Friends: Again may I extend my thanks for the cards you have so graciously sent. It seems as tho’ when I’m able to go forward, something happens and I take two steps backward without saying "Mother, may I." Thank you Karen for your concern and while you were on vacation for having Judy check on me, and thank you, Judy, for a lending ear. My sincere prayers and God’s Blessings be with each of you always. Margaret Hudson _______________ Aug. 6, 2003 Dear Janice, Thank you to you, the Prayer Committee, and the Church. I do appreciate being remembered. I’ve enclosed a contribution to the church. I have sold everything — my house, furniture, etc. and car. And I moved. I’m at Canterbury Ridge—my address is: 1706 Amber Lane #101 Urbana, IL 61802 My phone number stays the same. I hope all is going well with you. Best regards, Helen Knights _______________ Dear Friends, Thank you for the cards, calls & flowers. Most of all your prayers. Inez was like a second Mother. She blessed our lives in so many ways and leaves us with wonderful memories. Rosemary & George Woods _______________ Thank you for all your prayers & support of my mother. Especially thank you for letting her have the use of a phone while she was in the nursing home. God bless all of you Family of Cathy Moeller Dear Gordy, Thanks for letting us use your facilities. Hopefully we can work together in
the future. Robin Kearton, Director Bow-Dacious String Band August 8, 2003 Dear Friends, Thank you so much for you donation of 10 gallons of soup to
TIMES Center. Your caring continuous gifts assist in providing healing and hope
to the homeless of our community. Sincerely, TIMES Center Staff September Birthdays and Anniversaries Birthdays: 1. Wayne Weidner 2. Connie Wilson 7. Barb Kelly 9. Richard King 10. Virginia Sadler 12. Jillian Carter, Doug Bauling 17. Kay Weidert, Sharon King 20. Diane Stensland 21. Marsha Johnson 25. Ron Stinebring 27. Jennifer King, Pam Lukemire, Mary Bauling
Anniversaries: 14. Gary and Audrey Ricketts 15. Wayne and Diane Weidner 25. Truman and Pat Price Were you there? Have you been paying attention? Do you remember the one correct answer for each of these items? (answers) Vacation Bible School theme. A. Counting sheep B. 12 Tribes of Israel C. Lighthouses D. Noah's Ark 2. Special music presentation of "How Great Thou Art. " A. Cherub Choir B. Grace Notes C. Sara Ziebart D. Callie Knight 3. Mission fund raising sweet corn project sponsored by A. United Methodist Women B. Men' s Breakfast Group C. Quilting Group D. Spirit Ringers 4. Children’s Sunday Evening Musical. A. Hot Tin Cup B. Starbuck's Coffee C. A Drink of Cold Water D. Solid Rock Café 5. Sermon explanation of location of Ninevah (Jonah's mission order). A. Current Iraq B. Egypt C. Mt. Sinai D. Rome 6. Translation of biblical term for "sin." A. Selling short B. Hurting a neighbor C. Missing the mark D. Opposite of love 7. Bible story for children. A. Fish and bread at the lake B. Singing in the rain C. You, with no pockets, owe me 50 bucks. D. Cut my hair & I'll pull your house down. 8. Probable time of writing of Gospel of Matthew. A. 400 A.D. B. Shortly after Pentecost C. While Paul and Silas were in jail D. 50 years after the start of the Church 9. Another Biblical word translation. "To forgive" means. A. Place in the back of one's mind B. Forget forever C. Dig a hole and put it in D. Toss it out/away. 10. Two disciples remembering their talk with the resurrected Jesus (as recalled by Bob DeJong) A. It was like a light at sunset. B. Didn't our hearts bum within us? C. It seems like a blur now. D. We needed no introduction. 11. Sermon description of "racism. " A. Ugly words on the radio B. The majority wanting to maintain control C. Being mean because of color D. White supremacist church 12. Disaster for the pastor. A. Misplaced car keys B. Loud conversation with a quiet Wisconsin monk C. Computer virus . D. Broken bones at a tennis game
Saturday, September 13, 2003 Join Grace's senior high and middle school youth groups on a trip to Holiday World in Santa Claus, Indiana, on Saturday, September 13. (Check out the website at www.holidayworld.com.) The park has two world-class wooden roller coasters, a water park, and several other rides, including three rides new to the park this year. We'll meet at the Grace Church parking lot at 6:00 a.m. (yikes!) It's a four-hour drive to the park and return around midnight. Don't forget your swimsuit and towel. We get a great group discount ($19.95 per ticket) if we reserve tickets ahead of time and have at least 15 in our group. Ask your friends to come along! Please reserve your ticket by Friday, September 5, by calling Marcia or Julia Burns at 367-4281. The group that went last year had a great time. We hope you can come along! Any questions? Call Marcia or Julia at 367-4281. REFLECTIONS AND PRAYER FOR SEPTEMBER Gary Ricketts
Several weeks ago Audrey and I attended my 50th high school class reunion. Thirty-two of the 62 of us that graduated in 1953 were able to be present. Seven have passed away. It was a great time with a lot of talking about our families and sharing stories about high school days. Several shared that it didn’t seem like 50 years had passed and I felt that way also. We had returned home to our high school roots and we had much to share. We came from all parts of the country. Our class had a special bond that grew from the blending of students from rural and urban grade schools. Some of us hadn’t seen each other for 50 years but we still sensed that special bond. And so it is when followers of Jesus Christ come together to share and care. It doesn’t make any difference if you just accepted Christ as Lord of your life or you have been following him for many years; there is a special bonding among believers. Prayer has a powerful impact on both the one being prayed for and the one praying. We must never forget that God still answers prayers. They are answered in his way and in his timing. Please lift up in prayer the joys and concerns of our congregation and others. OUR PRAYER Dear Lord and Heavenly Father, we thank you for the many blessings you have bestowed upon us, and for those yet to come. Set us on the right path Lord when we are lost in the turmoil of life; strengthen us when we feel too weak to go on; provide us with your gentle love when we feel unlovable; and provide us with your healing touch for body, mind and soul. We lift up the joys and concerns of our family and our church. We pray for the success of our new vision and for all of those who will help to bring this vision into reality. Through Jesus Christ we pray. Amen. DO YOU GLANCE OR GAZE AT A PROBLEM? — Gary Ricketts In late July, Audrey and I traveled back to Ohio for the Wheeler Family Reunion. A full weekend event held at the Huron County 4-H Campground. This was the 19th annual reunion. Arrangements are made with a local pastor to come on Sunday morning and provide a short worship service. This year the pastor shared a statement with us that his wife had come up with; "Glance at the Problem – Gaze at the Savior". This really provides some "food for thought". How many times do we reverese the statement, and spend most of our time gazing at the problem rather than looking to the one who can help us through the situation. I must confess that I am often guilty of doing this, and I would guess that many others are as well. Only a few words but oh how powerful they are. The next time you and I are faced with a problem we must remember to "Glance at the Problem but then Gaze at the Savior" (the one from whom our help comes).
For Joys: "Thanks be to God!" For Concerns: "Lord, have mercy! "
In bulletin August 3, 2003: Joys from last Sunday . . . for this Lord’s Day, let’s praise him – Georgia Hillery . . . Grandmother Mary visiting from Florida and special one on one time spent together – Julie Smith . . . for Katie’s 6th birthday tomorrow – Carolyn Dickey . . . being at both services today – wish it could be every week – Bob deJong . . . that Virginia could clean the church, with short notice, in Ray Fibikar’s absence – Janice Roy. . . Ian & Alex are heading off to UMC camp at East Bay today "Water Week" – Jim Ferguson . . . for all the children & adults who have worked so hard on the musical over the past 2 weeks – Linda Entwistle . . . the Yankee Ridge All Star team won the St. Joe Tournament (several Grace youth are on this team). Another tournament this week in Champaign – Richard King . . . the children’s musical performance tonight & all of the hard work by kids & adults – Mindy Smith . . . thankful for my hand not being fractured in injury last week – Martha Rosenbery . . . or concern -Callie is filling in as pianist for Fithian UMC congregation today – Karen Knight . . . Patsy Hammond glad to be back from Washington Concerns from last Sunday . . . pray for Marie Hancock, Helen Knell, Mary Peters and for all my family – Georgia Hillery . . . pray for June Sostheim, she’s back at Carle with complications from her Parkinson’s Disease. Bob & family can use your prayers, also – Chuck & Dorothy Collins . . . my brother, Joe’s health & healing from surgery – Lisa Searing . . . Ray Fibikar had gall bladder surgery this week – Janice Roy . . . Sally Ormiston fell & broke a hip on Friday. She is in Georgia visiting family – Shirley Jenkins . . . travel mercies for our trip to camp & for Susan, returning from Albuquerque – Jim Ferguson . . . for Pastor Mike’s recovery from his recent injury & surgery – Linda Entwistle . . . the children’s musical performance tonight – Mindy Smith . . . lift my friend Sabrina for health concerns, healing also for Pastor Mike’s healing – Martha Rosenbery . . . Helen Koss goes for test for legs & feet at Covenant Hospital tomorrow – Mary Brimm . . . prayers for a quick recovery of mother’s hip replacement surgery – Rose McCarthy . . . prayers for friend, Marilyn Thurber, in a coma at Provena Hospital – Pat Price . . . Margaret Hudson – medical tests this week – Karen Knight . . . Prayers for Blair’s cataract surgery to go well on Wed. morning – Patsy Hammond . . . Mom’s cousin Bob who had a heart attack on Wednesday – Mandy & Barb Wood . . . moving, especially in not knowing where to go – Eric & Melissa Hays . . . Becky Withers had an emergency appendectomy early this morning – June Schwartz In bulletin August 10, 2003: Joys from last Sunday . . . The corn has been harvested and sold. We were blessed with great weather to pick and the yield was over 35, 000 ears. Thanks to all. . . . that I can worship with my family each Sunday – Jane Ferguson . . . having grandkids with us – Audrey Ricketts . . . Thank you to everyone who helped or prayed or both during our moving process – Vic & Laura Christman & boys . . . Grandparents to celebrate 50th anniversary next Sunday – Mindy & Alison Smith . . . a record month for me at work & my brothers & parents are healthy – Matt Peters . . . glad I can still come to church at 90+ so Mike can pick on me – Now I think it’s time he starts acting his age or he won’t make to 90 – I will still pray for him. – Genelle Ingram . . . Working with Robin Kearton and the "Bow-dacious String Band" for the last 2 weeks and hearing their concert yesterday morning. – Gordy Wilson . . . My brother doing better this week – continue to keep in prayers – Mary Bradley . . . the Children’s musical was great – big thank you to Ben King for filling in at the last minute. – the Valentines . . . thankful to have landed safely after a roller coaster flight from O’Hare to Rochester, NY – Jilll King . . . Hit a pretty big goal this past week (-200#). Thank God for my new health & life – Jill King . . . Sally Ormiston got home last night & will be at home with home health care – She is doing well & happy to be home. - Shirley Jenkins . . . for all new visitors – Mike Pittman & Family . . . for the weather, the fans and the players helping the softball team to a 4-0 weekend – Todd Searing Concerns from last Sunday . . . health concerns for Marilyn Thurber and Helen Hooser. – Pat Price . . . prayer for my friend’s next round of chemotherapy this week. – Susan Ferguson . . . for my Aunt Inez Helm and Kate Albin – Pam Lukemire . . . Benjamin is headed for Jensen Woods church camp. Also travel mercies for Jennifer & Elizabeth traveling back from Kentucky – Richard King . . . health concerns for Glenda Tarter & Marie Wright – Mary F. Brimm . . . travel mercies for Gary today – Audrey Ricketts . . . prayers for Pastor Mike’s finger, that it will heal – Helen Koss . . . Sally Ormiston home recovering from hip surgery & June Sostheim out of the hospital – the Valentines . . . prayers for Logan Daniel (9 month .old grandson of coworker, diagnosed with muscle cancer – Jill King . . . friend having open heart surgery on Tuesday – Carl & Carol Erb . . . prayer for Inez Helm – Rosemary & George Woods In bulletin August 17, 2003: Joys from last Sunday . . . Thanks for the Grace United Methodist Church for transportation & thanks to all the van drivers – LaVerne Seward . . . thanks to all who signed my get well card – leg surgery has been postponed – Helen Koss . . . for the great experience this week with the Lighthouse Kids – Marilyn Nathan & Daniel Wright . . . for Rev. Mike’s trip to Elgin for parents’ 50th wedding anniversary – Mary F. Brimm . . . it’s nice to have Jane fill in for Mike – Genelle Ingram . . . for such a lovely day to worship – Carolyn Dickey . . . my brother’s heart procedure went very well – Janice Roy . . . that our friend, Joyce Werremeyer did very well after open heart surgery – Carol & Carl Erb . . . thankful for children’s safe trip to St. Louis – Scott & Marcia Burns . . . for the tremendous group effort by this congregation in running another successful VBS – and special thanks to Wed. evenings "clean up crew" – Linda Entwistle . . . for the Lighthouse Kids that visited our church this week – Luann Wiedenmann Concerns from last Sunday . . . Prayers for former member of Grace, Bob Harvey, had 6 by-passes – Nancy Welch . . . need continued prayers – Helen Koss . . . health concerns for Glenda Tarter & Ruth Barker – Mary F. Brimm . . . health concerns for Pauline Meier, she is home now – Genelle Ingram . . . prayers for Inez Helm (Rosemary’s sister) – Rosemary & George Woods . . . safe travel for my daughter & success with my brother-in-laws surgery – Carolyn Dickey . . . health concerns for Pauline Meiers & Helen Hooser – Janice Roy . . . travel mercies for Julia & her friends as they travel to Chicago – Scott & Marcia Burns Callie Knight
The Spirit Ringers, soon to be world-renowned, have played in many places (3) in the tri-county area. There are plans to extend their travels. There will be a concert in Monticello, at the First Christian Church, on September 28th. The Spirit Ringers will be featured, and a potluck will follow. They are also scheduled to play at University Place Christian Church in Champaign, and possibly (depending on my sanity) will be playing for a Christmas party. But what about local worship, you may ask, as in here at Grace? Starting in September the Spirit Ringers, along with the Angelus, will be following a pretty regular schedule, meaning you can’t get rid of us. But you wouldn’t want to, right? "There’s always room for B-E-L-L-S!" The goal this year is to raise enough money for foam. Why, of all things, do we need foam? Well, there are more things we need, but I am trying to prioritize. This technique is a part of life, I am told. Handbells need 3-5 inches of foam to prevent a condition called "square bells." This is a serious condition, and is typically fatal for the bell, in which the bells are hit on the foam too hard, which can cause dents or "corners." Now I know all you mathematicians know that nothing round should have corners. It is caused by thin foam, which over its 20-year lifespan, ours has become. We must do our best to prevent this disease, as there is no cure. The Grace bell choirs will be holding a fund-raiser in October to raise money for supplies. This will consist of a short concert with refreshments to follow. We hope to see you all there! At the time of this printing we had just received an anonymous donation to cover the cost of much-needed foam for the bell tables. We are very thankful for this since it is essential to protect the very expensive bells. Fall Festival, Saturday, Oct. 18, 8:30 am – 12 Planning is underway for the UMW Fall Festival and we need
your help. Features of the festival include: Coffee Shop – Patsy Hammond, Joy Valentine (start your day with a tasty homemade roll and hot coffee. After 10:30, pies by the slice) Bakery Goods – Irene Millikan, Rhoda Willard (browse through tables laden with homemade pies, breads, rolls, cookies and other treats) Plants – Virginia Sadler (for green thumb enthusiasts, healthy plants at dirt cheap prices )Jewelry – Jessica Hartke will set up - need workers for Saturday (twice-around jewelry looking for a new owner) Country Store/crafts –(jams, jellies, apple butter, caramel popcorn, handmade items are just a few of the items that will be available) Attic Treasures – Wanda Adams (gently used items ready to move to another household) Kids activities while Mom shops We are looking for donations for the features listed above as well as helpers and/or anyone with ideas to share to help make the festival a success. Anything you can contribute is greatly appreciated. Helpers are needed for Saturday as well as setting up. Please contact one of the following people if you have ideas and/or can help: Patsy Hammond, Karilyn Newnam, Joy Valentine, Barb Wood. Proceeds from the Festival go to missions through United Methodist Women.
Music programs are already in full swing for the Fall season at Grace Church. The Chancel Choir will begin rehearsals on Wednesday, Aug 27 at 6:30. The choir offers a wide variety of music from ancient to contemporary in keeping with the spectrum of worship patterns offered in our church. There is no special requirement for membership other than a love of singing, fellowship and offering praise to God. If you can carry a tune, bring it to choir practice—you’re sure to be loved! Callie Knight and the Spirit Ringers began rehearsals at 6 PM, Sunday, August 24. Generally speaking, this choir is for youth from middle school through high school. Callie has the happy task of figuring out how to integrate several eager new ringers. The adult bell choir, Angelus, led by Tim Bowlby had their first meeting of the season on Monday evening, August 25. The praise team is scheduled to begin meeting in early September with Bob deJong as group leader. Bob is pleased that, at least for the time being he will be able to attend both Sunday morning services. Robin Styan is poised to begin rehearsals with the Cherub Choir when she returns from happy new grandmother duties in Texas. The first meeting of the Cherubs is set for September 3, 2003 at 6:30 PM. Scott Burns has announced that practices for the Grace Notes Orchestra will begin sometime in October. Plans are underway for two new organizations: a praise band and a choir for school age girls. It is exciting to see that the already rich music program at Grace church is growing exponentially. Keep watching for new programs evolving from our outreach through Grace Street and Grace Years. Gordy Wilson, Director of Music and Communication
Join with Grace friends at the Family Potluck Game Night at the Burns home (112 East Holmes) at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, September 12. Bring a dish to share, your own table settings, and a favorite board or card game. Drinks will be provided. We hope this will become a regular event on the second Friday of each month. Mark your calendars! If you have questions, please call Scott or Marcia Burns, 367-4281.
Answers to quiz 1. C.; 2.B.; 3. B.; 4. D.; 5. A.; 6. C.; 7. C.; 8. D.; 9. D.; 10. B.; 11. B.; 12. D.
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manager, her duties have been far more numerous than her title indicates. 
