VBS for this year:
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Getting to Know Our Church Family—Pat and Truman Price Talent Or Drive and Devotion? The Buzz About Beehives UMW Happenings ANGEL PROJECT REFLECTIONS AND PRAYER FOR APRIL CELEBRATING THE JOYS OF LIFE LIFT UP OUR CONCERNS TO THE LORD IN PRAYER PRAYER CHAIN LISTS TO BE REVISED ANNUAL U. M. CONFERENCE ON THE HOLY SPIRIT ALDERSGATE ’03 TO BE IN SPRINGFIELD THE BABBLING BROOK Easter Breakfast Buffet Nursery News! April Birthdays and Anniversaries Thank you notes Notices Fun Facts to Test Your Knowledge Annual Family Campout A Night of Southern Gospel Music ~ Sunday April 6 Getting to Know Our Church Family—Pat and Truman Price Life is richer when it is filled with people of many ages whether in
our personal family or our church family. With today’s mobile society, parents
look to find positive role models for their children, those people willing to
fill the role of "surrogate grandparents" and share the wisdom and guidance that
only comes with years. In Grace Church Truman and Pat Price come to mind.
Truman and Pat are not natives of Urbana. Pat is from Centralia and Truman is a Hoosier. Although Truman has been a part of Grace for about 40 years, Pat joined when she and Truman married. Truman is a retired railroad conductor and served with a railroad battalion in Europe in World War II. Pat is retired from the U of I where she was a secretary in the accounting and dining services departments. As a part of Grace, Truman has been a trustee, van driver, groundskeeper, men’s breakfast regular (He’s the official coffee maker.), Habitat for Humanity house builder, and has bravely helped with youth mission trips. He is a regular usher for the late worship service on Sunday morning. Truman feels he has developed more close friends at Grace than from all his years at work., Pat fills in as church secretary. when Janice is away Pat says, "I love working in the office because I enjoy talking with and seeing people that I might not get to see." She is also a member of the UMW and, until last November, she was an important part of the newsletter team. The Prices both enjoy bowling and camping. They can be counted on to attend the church campout where Pat shares her good cooking. Truman also likes to golf and is a Cub fan. Pat is a crafter and enjoys attending craft shows and flea markets. Their family includes two sons, a daughter, 12 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren. This September 25, Truman and Pat will celebrate 25 years of marriage. We look forward to celebrating with them. TopDevotion? Gordy Wilson This is a brief, hopefully thought-provoking foray into one of my favorite subjects. It has often been said that Grace Church is so blessed with talent. This is certainly true. I am probably more blessed by all of the talented people here than anyone. But talent is only part of the story, only the seed for the flower. The very word "talent", a measure of value, comes from Jesus’ parable found in Matthew 25. All of us have God-given talents but we have to nurture and use them or they amount to nothing. When tempted to say, "I wish I had your talent" remember the constant drive that brought that talent to light. Also keep in mind that it’s never too late to polish your gifts! Top T he 1st, 2nd and 3rd Grade Sunday School Class, led by Mrs. Karen Knight and Mrs. Rose McCarthy, is "busy as a bee" working to earn enough money to buy a beehive through Heifer Project, International.Members of the class are: Joe Carter, Kyra Entwistle, Alec Morgan, Carly Pittman and Kobi Williford. The children earn the money themselves by performing extra chores around the house. Some chores they have performed include taking a brother’s paper route for a few days, cleaning their rooms and helping their Mom with making the beds. $30 provides the beehive and box, a package of bees and training in beekeeping. Bees from the Heifer Project help struggling families earn income through the sale of honey, beeswax and pollen. The hives can be a boon to a whole village as bees pollinate plants and increase yields of some fruits and vegetables. The project’s key concept is that each recipient must pass on to others some of the offspring of the insects or animals they receive. The class has already earned $19.00. They are well on their way to the goal of $30 and possibly more. We’re very proud of this hard-working class. By their teamwork, these children are helping to alleviate hunger and being a force for good in this world. They are putting into practice the subject of their Sunday School lessons on discipleship, serving others is serving Christ. Top with the Grace Church Family Speaker On Thursday, May 1 a special speaker will be at our church. Sabina Navsariwala will speak about her experience with female circumcision, or FGM. According to the World Health Organization, FGM has been performed on some 100-130 million women and girls worldwide, with 2 million girls at risk for the procedure each year. It has become a human rights issue. Sabina is a woman of courage who is speaking out on this issue, an issue sometimes relegated to "cultural differences". Please make plans to attend. However, due to the sensitive nature of the subject, this program is not suitable for children. Child care will be provided in the church nursery. Potluck picnic Thursday, May 22 – A Potluck picnic at Joan Newcomb’s home at 305 Brady Lane, Urbana. Bring a dish to share and be prepared to have a great time! All women of the church are invited.
Fall Festival Saturday, Oct. 18 – Fall Festival – a new event that borrows from the old and twists it around some new ideas. All we need are the new ideas. If anyone is interested or has suggestions, please contact Patsy, Joy, Barb or Karilyn. More details will follow. Don’t forget the Women’s Retreat April 26 & 27! The UMW would like to thank the congregation for supporting the soup/sandwich benefit lunch. Because of your generosity, enough money was raised to pay for a telephone for two years for a member of our congregation who is in the nursing home. Thank you! District UMW News The District UMW Spring Meeting (for all units of UMWomen) is Saturday, April 26, 9am-2:30pm at Mahomet United Methodist Church. Top Habitat for Humanity of Champaign and Piatt Counties GOT CHANGE?? As an additional way of raising money toward our church’s goal of $4,259 for the Urbana Habitat home, we are asking church members (old, young and in-between) to save their change during the week and bring it into church each Sunday. An Angel Project mini- bank made by Doug Bauling is in the church entryway for your contributions. As of early March, pledge contributions total $2500. Ground breaking for the home is scheduled for Sunday, March 30 at 2pm.REFLECTIONS AND PRAYER FOR APRIL Gary Ricketts April is nearly here and along with it comes Easter; the occasion where we celebrate the death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The devil was having a ball, because he thought that Jesus was out of the way, never to be heard of again. But was he in for a big surprise, when upon Easter morning the grave was found to be open and empty. The resurrected Christ had won the battle. He laid down his life for the sins of the world past, present and future. That includes your sins and mine. He made the ultimate sacrifice for us. Easter is a beautiful time of year and children’s thoughts turn to Easter eggs, chocolate rabbits, the Easter rabbit, new clothes and spring. But Easter has a greater meaning for us. We are the beneficiaries of a resurrected Christ that took place over 2000 years ago. That same resurrected Christ still reigns today, and will work in our lives if we but open our hearts and let him enter in. Christ is real, Christ is alive and Christ will come again. 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, help us to never forget the real meaning of Easter. Help us to remember the tremendous sacrifice that Jesus Christ made for us. Christ was the living example of what we should strive to be like, and he continues to remain as that example today. Oh Lord, we need your strength, your guidance and your wisdom as we walk life’s path each day. We need you in our lives every day Lord. Forgive us when we try to do it on our own, and forget that our accomplishments in life come about through the use of our God-given talents and abilities. Teach us to serve, love, care for, strengthen and nourish in your God-given way. We lift up the joys and concerns of our church family and our own personal prayers. Let our hands be your hands, our eyes be your eyes, our ears be your ears and our lips be your lips as we strive to serve you. Through Jesus Christ we pray. Amen Top Carolyn Dickey – happy to make it to late church Gary & Audrey Ricketts – a neighbor had no serious injuries after an accident -- being with good friends at Gaither Concert -- having Gertrude Blackford in church with us -- having God inspire Gary to write a short story and a poem Martha Rosenbery – ongoing strength and healing from God --Jaden’s doing well after being diagnosed with diabetes Pat Ziebart – she and Sarah survived trip to Bloomington in a blizzard Bob deJong – joy of church service and dancing in the aisles -- one year ago his sister was released from Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago Beth Morgan – wonderful time with best friend on a cruise and renewed faith Matt Peters – his Mom’s birthday Linda Entwistle – God’s mercy, protection for those traveling to Bloomington and back in a storm -- Thanks to Richard King, Ron Weidner and Scott Burns for commitment to families of Grace Joy for the beautiful and moving set of songs by the Praise Team Doug & Mary Bauling – power stayed on and snow plows came through Scott Burns – thanks to Richard King for all of his efforts to make the ski trip work Sharon King – for safe travel June Schwartz – safety through the storm Jen King – student teaching going well Nathan & Daniel Wright – Robin and Mandy working with Cherub Choir Benjamin King – doing well at the solo and ensemble contest Courtney & Carley – Amanda Henderson’s 15th birthday Joy Valentine – safe trip for sister & brother-in-law after two month trip to Florida Becky Withers – sharing friendship sermon with dear friend June Schwartz -- celebrating June’s birthday Norma Ripkey – Beth going on a cruise with a longtime friend -- Alena’s #1 rating for solo and ensemble at contest Truman & Pat Price – Estelle Wade’s 99th birthday Mandy Wood – working with the cherubs -- Mom’s travel mercies on trip to New Orleans Janice Roy – Father’s 86th birthday Mary Bradley – her son, Clarence, is doing better Morgan Bullard – Michael is doing well at basic training Mary Thompson – a friend, Carol Ann Cornwell, is in church with her Richard King – mother’s birthday —Joy and thanks to Doug Bauling, Ray Allen, and Truman Price for all the work they do around the church Carol Ann Cornwell – worshiping with friend, Mary Thompson Bill & Joy Valentine – Joy is doing well following her fall -- Florence Baker’s 97th birthday Psalm 122:1, I was glad when they said to me, "Let us go to the house of the Lord" Melissa Hays – good test results at doctor’s office -- Eric’s parents are in town visiting them Susan, Ian & Alex Ferguson – Jim is back from trip to Japan Joan Newcomb – Connie is home from Texas -- Tim is home Carly & Mike Pittman – Emily’s 5th birthday Georgia Hillery – Praise God Blair Hammond – recovering well; thanks for prayers and visits Christine Apperson – son is doing well after surgery Lisa Searing – mom was able to return to work James Wright – looking forward to the corned beef and cabbage dinner and playing board games Rudy & Rosemary Taborn – glad to be back with church family after trip to Texas Marilyn Wright – Ash Wednesday service Wanda Adams – having nephew and niece from Ohio visiting Top LIFT UP OUR CONCERNS TO THE LORD IN PRAYER Jill King – Dr. Peter Durmich undergoing an umbilical cell transplant soon -- son-in-law, Michael’s basic training -- Genelle Ingram Mandy Wood – cousin is battling cancer -- travel mercies for friends -- travel mercies for Barb on trip back from New Orleans Melissa Hays – concern for great-aunt who was shot in leg during a bank robbery and now has infection Carolyn Dickey – travel mercies for daughter returning to California -- granddaughter, Stephaney, hospitalized for unknown health problems Martha Rosenbery – continued strength and healing for her friend, Sabrina -- spiritual encouragement for shut-ins who miss fellowship of church family Bill & Joy Valentine – Kathy Travis with brain tumor -- Haley with cancer -- June Sostheim recovering from a fall -- Derys Harper’s heart surgery -- Blair Hammond’s surgery -- brother-in-law Mel undergoing tests Vic & Laura Christman – health of their three boys Matt Peters – a customer of his has incurable cancer Chuck & Dorothy Collins – June Sostheim recovering from a fall Doug & Mary Bauling – hope they can get back home before road drifts in again Luann Wiedenmann – prayer of peace for the world June Schwartz – travel mercies for Dan’s trip back to Macomb Jen King – her boyfriend’s family after loss of grandmother -- six friends going on active duty -- a friend had to put his mother in a nursing home -- high school classmate having surgery Truman & Pat Price – Ann Dipple & family over loss of Ray -- Derys Harper’s surgery and recovery Janice Roy – grandson, Jared’s health Mary Bradley – Janet Frederick’s health -- serious illness in Janet’s family -- travel mercies for trip to Texas Judie Swanson – daughter-in-law’s maternal grandmother and paternal aunt passed away Mary Brimm – Opal Brand recovering from operation -- Blair Hammond -- Helen Koss and son, Jim -- Ruth BarkerJoan O’Connell – friend of Patrick in hospital with serious injury -- friend’s family Howard & Ruth McIntosh – son needs a kidney transplant and praying for a matching donor soon -- Derys Harper’s by-pass surgery Barb Wood – nephew, Lon Alderman, beginning a new ministry for growth and leadership, Acom Ministries Carl & Carol Erb – granddaughter has undiagnosed medical problem Ina Wooldridge – sister-in-law moving into a nursing home Ferguson Family – Jim’s mother’s health Jeannie Barnett – Terri Beasley & her sons in sudden death of husband/father Pam Lukemire – her cousin’s loss of their mother Morgan Bullard – for continued success and well-being for Michael while in military service Mary Thompson – medical tests for her mother Bee Allen – problems with Ray’s right eye Ted & Jessica Hartke – Jess’s grandmother, Leone Action recovering from knee replacement surgery Gary & Audrey Ricketts – problems with Gary’s left eye Greg & Robin Styan – son-in-law, Chris Harwood, leaving for basic training in the Air-Force Dick & Evelyn Kesler —Concern for Ann Dipple and Family, Art & Derys Harper, Blair Hammond, and all shut-ins and caregivers Gordy Wilson – healing for Connie who fell at work Lisa Searing – health concerns for friend Lilian and her new daughter, Sofia -- her cousin, Heidi is having surgery and pray cysts are benign Joan Newcomb – health concern for Pat & Truman Price’s nephew Burns Family – health concerns for Marcia’s mother, Martha Vorhes Georgia Hillery – James Hillery -- Linda Sollers -- country, president, and other leaders Wanda Adams – health concerns for sister, Nettie in Arizona (She has since passed away) Sue Livengood – Mrs. Duggins suffered a hearth attack -- Danielle, a 14 year old girl with a terminal illness Linda Halbach – nephew, Kevin Moore, in for tests Pat Ziebart – travel mercies for Urbana High band members and chaperones Michelle Shaw – hope and pray that physical therapy brings Tony relief from back problems PRAYER CHAIN LISTS TO BE REVISED Prayer chains are a vital part of the ministry of our church. The current list of names needs updating. If you would like to remain on the prayer chain list or be added to the list, please call Audrey Ricketts, (367-2098) by April 7. A new updated list will then be put into use starting the first week of April. Put your name on the list and become a prayer warrior for Grace United Methodist Church. ANNUAL U. M. CONFERENCE ON THE HOLY SPIRIT April 24-26 are the dates for the 2003 Conference on the Holy Spirit sponsored by the John Wesley Fellowship of Illinois. It will be held at the Grace U.M. Church in Decatur. The conference opens with a dinner on the first evening. If you have never attended this conference plan to do so. You will find it to be very rewarding. A registration donation of $10 per person is suggested. For additional information contact the church office or Gary & Audrey Ricketts (367-2098) who have attended several of the conferences. ALDERSGATE ’03 TO BE IN SPRINGFIELD The National Conference on the Holy Spirit called "Aldersgate ‘03" will be held in Springfield, IL from July 23-27. There is both a pre-conference and conference program with a separate registration for each. For additional information contact the church office.
February 23, 2003 Inspired by God Penned by Gary Ricketts I’m just a little winding stream, That through the woods does flow; Working my way over rock and root, As on my way I go. Flowing through fields and woods, Mystery seems to be my right. Where do I begin, And where do I end, beyond my sight? People love my babbling sound Where one can find calmness and peace, Among the many distractions of life, That seem never to cease The message I bring to you Oh, what does it really mean? It could be God speaking to all things, Or at least that is how it seems. I love you, I love you My message seems to be. Other times I seem to say; Find peace in me. Find peace in me. Sometimes it seems like a melody, With all the voices blending well. Sounds of night and sounds of day They have a wonderful story to tell. Calmness and peace I really bring, As along my banks you walk. What an ideal place I do provide For you and my Lord to talk. Rocks and creatures great and small Find sanctuary with me and hear my song. Within and around me many treasures you will find, But only if you hear my God given song. God formed me by his mighty hand, And blessed me to flow through this land, That I might serve creatures And people that he did form, To help them as they travel Through life’s trials and storms. Take time and look deep into me, I often seem to say, And to you will be revealed the song of love Your Heavenly Father sings for you each day. In me and along my banks Are revealed God’s answers to the mysteries of life. I bring into reality the wisdom of God That anchors young and old when life is full of strife. So the next time you come near And hear my babbling sound, Come a little closer and have revealed The wonders of God that really do abound. From where I come you can not see, And where I end you do not know. But in between there is much to learn For God’s love and knowledge we need to know. Easter
Breakfast Buffet You may have noticed more babies and toddlers around our church lately. What a joy! To address the needs of our families with small children, we have decided to expand our nursery ministry. We have two immediate goals that we would like to meet and we need your help. 1. We would like to have the nursery staffed with two people throughout We are also trying to replace our existing high chairs. Some of them are in sad shape and have seen better days. When you go to garage sales, please be on the lookout for good used high chairs.
April Birthdays and Anniversaries April Birthdays April 2, Andy O’Connell April 11 Dale Johnson April 15, Alec Morgan April 19, Emma Searing April 27, Brenda Carter April 30, Greg Styan
Anniversaries April 3, Chuck and Danielle Routh April 9, Brenda and Bill Carter April 24, Joy and Bill Valentine April 26, Pam and Jerry Lukemire
(no gentlemen) Need a break after baking that Easter ham? Join us for a weekend retreat in Decatur, IL. April 25-27 Call Karen Henderson (328-4473) or Anne Parker (367-1813) to reserve a space.
Fun Facts to Test Your Knowledge of the History of Grace United Methodist Church A Multiple Choice Test (answers at bottom of this page) 1. The oldest organized chartered Sunday School Class at Grace was: (a) The Otherwise Class, (b) The Wide Awake Class, (c) the Depression Class 2. The first church building used for Grace’s Services was a remodeled : (a) livery stable, (b) farm machinery shop, (c) creamery. 3. A young newlywed UI student pastor during the Depression years was provided: (a) housing in the church basement, (b) a horse and buggy for transportation, (c) free milk and cheese from a local dairy. 4. Early on, when money was desperately needed for the church, a man pledged $30.00 and his wife remarked aloud: (a) "No new TV for you!", (b) "There goes my kitchen sink". (c) "But the car needs tires." 5. Worship services in early years at the old church building were often interrupted by: (a) sirens from the fire trucks at a nearby station, (b) noise and whistles from the passing interurban trolley, (c) construction on the new highway 150. 6. The architectural design selected for the current sanctuary at Grace reflects ideas from: (a) Wesley’s Aldersgate Church, (b) Noah’s Ark, (c) Solomon’s Temple. 7. Overflow space for Sunday School classes after moving to Philo Road was provided by: (a) Lafayette Electronics, (b) Jerry’s IGA (c) Renner Wikoff Mortuary 8. The copyright for the 100th anniversary year hymn was assigned to Grace Church by: (a) Music Director Gordon Wilson, (b) former pastor Rev. Paul Sellers, (c) earlier organist Dottie Price. 9. Largely the whole congregation participated in costume at the anniversary service celebration for: (a) 100 years at Grace Church, (b) the U.S.A. bicentennial, (c) Eva Bruce Rayborn's birthday. 10. The anniversary tree planted east of the church sanctuary is a gift from: (a) remaining members of the original committee for the current building, (b) Grace United Methodist Church of Decatur, (c) the parent church, First United Methodist Church of Urbana. It has been an annual tradition at Grace to have a family campout in June for over 20 years. This year we are returning again to Turkey Run State Park in Indiana. We will be going June 27-29, 2003. If you are interested in joining in, please contact Richard King. If you are not a camper but would like to come over for the day to enjoy hiking, canoeing, tubing, swimming, horseback riding, nature watching or just plan sitting and talking, then come on over on Saturday the 28th. We will have a group pot luck that evening. A Night of Southern Gospel Music Presented by A&A Christian Music
Young Harmony Coming to Grace Church Sunday April 6, 2003 -- 6:30 PM A free will offering will be taken Snacks will be served after the concert Answers to Quiz: 1, b. 2, c. 3, a. 4, b. 5, b. 6, b. 7, c. 8, a. 9, b. 10, c |
Out
of your Comfort zone
