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Welcome,
from the People of Urbana Grace! New Design Coming! |
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Grace Forum March 2003
Getting to Know our Church Family Bill and Joy Valentine —Karen Knight
Two heads are usually thought to be better than one and we all know it’s a good deal when we get two for the price of one. Grace has been blessed for many years by Joy and Bill Valentine, two people who are quite a team. Joy was born in Peoria and her family moved to Champaign in 1952. Bill was born in Champaign and his family moved to Urbana where he finished school. They met when Joy baby sat Bill’s sister’s children. Bill started attending Grace in 1947 when Patsy Beck, his sister’s friend, invited them. He joined in 1951. Later, Joy attended with Bill and joined in 1957. Children, Jeff and Diane, grew up in Grace. The Valentines will celebrate their 43rd wedding anniversary in April. The Valentines have contributed much to Grace through the years. Bill has served as organist, choir director, and bell choir director and sometimes still does vocal solos. He was on the building committee for the present building. (Check out the picture on page 13 of the church history book.) He has been Sunday School superintendent and served on worship, missions, and trustees. The last several years, Bill has been a pastoral visitor and provides important outreach to those unable to get to church. Joy was the church’s financial secretary in the 1960’s and the financial secretary, church secretary, and treasurer in the 1970’s. She has served on the missions and worship committees and has been active in the UMW and Angelus Handbell Choir for many years. Both Valentines are members of the Forum Sunday school class. Although Bill is retired from the U.S. Postal Service and Joy is retired from Carle, they are not couch potatoes. Both work part time, Bill for Paunicka Chiropractic Clinic and Joy for Osco Drug. At home, Joy enjoys sewing and Bill likes to read, work crosswords, and listen to music. They enjoy traveling and have taken some interesting trips including cruises and a train trip to the western part of the U.S. They are looking forward to spending Easter at the Grand Canyon. Being proud grandparents, Joy and Bill attend grandson Kyle’s football, basketball, and baseball games. When asked her feelings about Grace, Joy said, "Grace is a wonderful place. I can’t think of any other church I would want to go to." Bill seconded those feelings. Youth and adults are joining together to start a
band/orchestra that will The level of difficulty of the music is that of sixth or Sunday, March 2—Musical Service Presenting the Passion, Death, Resurrection and Pentecost by the Chancel Choir. 8:15 and 10:30 Services Sunday, March 2— An Evening of Southern Gospel Music featuring FOURGIVEN at 6:30 PM .A free will offering will be taken and snacks will be served. Reflections and Prayer for March Gary RickettsMarch is a very interesting month, for it is the transition time between winter and spring. Sometimes it comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb and other times the weather is just reversed. However, regardless of the weather, the anticipation of spring is always there, because we know it can’t be far away. With the hint of spring in the air we see a change in the trees, flowers, lawns, birds, animals and ourselves. Everything seems to be starting anew, starting fresh. In nature there is a sequence to the seasons. However, in our spiritual lives we can start fresh anytime we open our heart and let Jesus Christ enter in to love us, cleanse us, teach us and lead us. Jesus Christ is for all seasons. He can pull us up from the depths of despair, carry us through heartaches and loss, love us when we feel unlovable, and show us that each one is unique in God’s sight. So look anew at God’s handiwork all around you, and at yourself, and ask Him how you can best use your God given talents to serve Him. You may be surprised at the answer. 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 always be open to your leading and guiding. Where we see blank walls, you see hope and opportunities. Where we see despair and brokenness, you see the opportunity for new life and new beginnings. Where we see dead ends in the road of life, you see detours to get us back on course. Give us spiritual eyes to see what you see, O Lord, and spiritual ears to hear your voice in the midst of daily confusion. We lift up the joys and concerns of our church family and our own personal prayers. Make us sensitive to the needs of those around us, and more aware of the many ways that we can serve you. Through Jesus Christ we pray. Amen I Said A Prayer for You Today I said a prayer for you today And know God must have heard – I felt the answer in my heart Although He spoke no word. I didn’t ask for wealth or fame. I knew you wouldn’t mind. I asked Him to send treasures Of a far more lasting kind. I asked that He’d be near you At the start of each new day, To grant you health and blessings And friends to share your way. I asked for happiness for you In all things great and small, But it was for His loving care I prayed the most of all. Author Unknown Howard & Ruth McIntosh – to be over colds and back to churchVirgil & Lucille Staskey’s 70th wedding anniversary Eric Hays – has been accepted to Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary -- starting a new job Jen King – having Dr. Peterson and his friend Betty here -- will begin full time student teaching Marty Rosenbery – God’s faithfulness is awesome -- appreciates the many prayers -- having daughter and family in church with her -- for God’s healing touch -- beauty of music at Grace Church Luann Wiedenman – Taco & Bingo Night a nice family outing Mary Bradley – son, Clarence, knows what medical problem is Julie Smith – mom and brother traveling together to Tennessee -- Makinzi’s 3rd birthday Nancy Bible – thankful for all the prayers -- thankful for answered prayers Georgia Hillery – for our blessed Lord Bill & Joy Valentine – seeing Helen Hoosier in church Michael Bullard – sister coming from Oregon for wedding Jill King – wedding is in final days of preparation -- wonderful church family -- wonderful friends and family at Morgan & Michael’s wedding -- Morgan & Michael’s safe return -- seeing Georgia Lemming back in church Todd Searing – brother, sister, brother in-law and nephew will be visiting -- being an usher for Morgan & Michael’s wedding Many in our church family expressed joy for Mindy having the opportunity to study and travel in England this semester. Laura Christman – Vic’s clean bill of health Janet Frederick – daughter now teaching in Thawville -- both recovering from car accident Bob deJong – having Harriet Cline in churchLisa & Todd Searing – pleasure of anticipating time with family and friends -- having guests from Iowa & Ohio Ted & Jessica Hartke – a wonderful vacation trip and safe travel Harriet Cline – God’s healing power -- Herschel’s daily care -- supportive visits from Bob & Bill -- church members prayers Robin & Greg Styan – Rudy Taborn has received his diabetic pump The Entwistles – Gordy sharing his talents with us Dick & Evelyn Kesler – being back in church -- for all the prayers and support Carolyn Dickey – thank God for positive results of daughter’s surgery Callie Knight – all the Spirit Ringers showed up Chuck & Danielle Routh – Jared’s surgery went well -- Jared’s 1st birthday Jop Long – thank God their house sold quickly -- they have a new home in West Lafayette, IN Gary & Audrey Ricketts – praise God for the Praise Team and singing praise songs -- joy for Michael & Morgan’s wedding -- having Dick & Evelyn Kesler back in church Pat Ziebart – U.M. Churches of our community are building a house through Habitat for Humanity Lisa Searing – the long and happy life of her Uncle Frank who passed away recently Truman Price – having the Keslers back in church Susan Ferguson – being part of the Scrapping Group -- Diane Pittman’s talent in teaching a new technique Terry Morgan – UHS wrestling team placed second at the regional tournament Chuck & Dorothy Collins – Genelle is home from hospital Dale & Marge Hubert – having Georgia Lemming, her son and daughter-in-law in church Georgia Hillery & Helen Koss – thanks for prayers for James Hillery Patsy Hammond – she is able to go back to work half days -- for all your cards and prayers Lift Up Our Concerns to the Lord in Prayer Howard & Ruth McIntosh – daughter did not quite pass all the tests to donate kidney to her brother -- Jim is getting worse and may have to go on dialysis Concern expressed for Cathy Moeller and for Ruth Barker who has leukemia Marty Rosenbery – grandson in the hospital -- health concern for herself, her father, granddaughter and friend Sabrina -- Jaden Truman & Pat Price -- Dick Kelser & family -- Cathy Moeller Mary Bradley – for daughter and all other men and women called up for active duty Julie Smith – travel mercies for mom & brother Joy Valentine – niece who will undergo treatment Nancy Bible – for President and all other leaders of our nation Janet Frederick – she and her daughter were in a car accident and are okay Several expressed concern for Urbana Middle School Concert Band traveling back from Ohio Lee Johnson – sister, Alice having an MRI Georgia Hillery – brother, Jim Hillery’s surgery -- Dorothy Bell Bill & Joy Valentine – Ellen Fondren broke her leg -- Cathy Travis having brain surgery -- a friend’s 21 year old daughter has cancer -- Genelle Ingram’s health problems Janice Roy – grandson having tubes put in his ears Entwistle family – for Martha Rosenbery & family (health problems) Jill King – travel mercies for wedding guests -- safe travel for Michael & Morgan on their honeymoon -- Michael Bullard leaving for military training -- Marvin Iffert leaving for military training -- Bobbie Brault is having surgery Matt Peters – co-worker lost her sister from a heart attack Many in our church family expressed concerns for travel mercies for Mindy and that she would have a positive experience in England Mary Thompson – travel mercies for Richard King coming back from Nevada Bob deJong – Dick & Evelyn Kesler -- all shut-ins and care givers Judie Swanson – health concern for parents -- Clarence Nash in long-term care -- Jessie Nash recovering from triple by-pass surgery Lisa Searing – application process begins for a position at the U of I -- her parents’ health -- that God will give her the right words to speak at her uncle’s memorial service Ted & Jessica Hartke – family of Karen Jensen, who passed away with cancer Karen Knight – Margaret Hudson recovering from surgery -- Ann Morrie Funkhouser & family Blair Hammond – health of sister in Texas Helen Koss – health concerns for son, Jim Robin & Greg Styan – travel mercies for Rudy & Rosemary Taborn on their trip to Texas Joy Valentine – cousin Gary’s health problems Eric & Melissa Hays – health of Eric’s grandmother Bryon & Rhonda Willard – son, Bob is in Provena with cellulitis again Jim & Doris Roush – Ray & Ann Dippel -- Ray’s medical problems Many expressed concern for the families of the 7 astronauts who died in the shuttle tragedy Jop Long – packing, loading and moving to West Lafayette -- safe travel Marilyn Wright – families of Army personnel killed in helicopter crash in Afghanistan Bee Allen – health of Olive Gregory’s sister in Decatur Pat Ziebart – that we have finances and people resources to uphold our part in UM churches building a home through Habitat for Humanity Shirley Judy – health of Marge Ladwig Todd & Lisa Searing – travel mercies for friends from Iowa & Ohio Eric Hays – getting a good start on his new job Julie Smith – grandmother’s health Nancy Bible – Shirley Leathers and family for loss of her husband Merrill Richard King – that the ski trip goes well with no travel problems or ski accidents Georgia Hillery & Helen Koss – family of Dorothy Bell who passed away recently Martha Rosenbery – friend Sabrina, healing from ankle fracture -- friend Sabrina has some major decisions coming up Linda Halbach – niece Tammy is in rehab for substance abuse --Tammy’s family A new Card Ministry started at our church on Sunday, February 9. Cards were placed on the altar addressed to some of our shut-ins or those in poor health. Attendees that day had an opportunity after each service to pen a few words of encouragement on the cards. A wonderful way of reaching out to those who would like to hear from us. This will take place every Sunday until we get caught up. You will be reminded during the "Joys and Concerns" section of the service. This new ministry is an outgrowth of the Pastoral Visitation Team (formerly called Two by Two). If you would like to help with this new outreach initiative please call Audrey Ricketts at 367-2098.
This spring and summer, United Methodist congregations of our area will build a house through Habitat for Humanity. The simple four bedroom house, located at 1202 Breslin, Urbana, will become "home" for a single mom and her five children who will work alongside the crews to put in 250 hours of "sweat equity" then complete the purchase through a no-interest mortgage. The total cost of the project is $55,000 for the house here and a tithe of $5,500 to build two house in Mexico. Grace Church has accepted our share of this project which is $4,259 plus volunteers. During the six months of the build, our congregation will be scheduled to work about six times. Skilled workers may be scheduled at special times. We invite you to participate in this work of Christian love and service. Here’s how you can help: Pray for the family, churches and builders who will partner in this good work. Contribute to the financial goal by pledging and writing a check to Grace United Methodist Church with "Habitat" or "Angel project" in the memo. Help provide food for volunteer builders (We need people to purchase it, prepare it, and serve it when our workers are scheduled). Volunteer to work at the site. There are jobs for skilled workers, those willing to learn, and anyone over 14 years old who can hammer, push a broom, or wield a paintbrush. You’ll receive a call to ask about your skills and how often you can work. There is also a volunteer form located in the narthex. Please complete the form below to express your interest. Send it to the church or put it in the offering plate Sunday. The satisfaction and joy that come from working together in Christian community is real and amazing! May God bless you richly for responding! Thank you. ————————————————————————------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ HAPPY TO HELP HABITAT! Name __________________________________________ Telephone ______________(H) __________________ (W) E-mail __________________________________________ I’ll be involved by: _____ Praying for the safety and success of the build and spiritual blessings for family and crews. _____ Contributing $_________ to our financial goal. _____ Food Needs: ___ Purchase supplies; ___ Make sandwiches; ___ Make cookies; ___ Transport and serve food ___ Building: List special skills or experience: __________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 3355 Cinnabar Street West Lafayette, IN 47906 Phone: 765-497 2773
March 1 – Terry Morgan Audrey Ricketts March 5 – Jim Ferguson March 6 – Stacie Shepherd, Kody Alexander March 7 – Truman Price March 13 – Linda Entwistle Kyra Entwistle March 14 – Bill Carter Reagen O’Connor March 16 – Mandy Wood March 24 – Joan O’Connell March 28 – Skye Shepherd March 30 – Greg Styan March 31 – Lisa Searing
March 1 – Rudy and Rosemary Taborn March 5 – Charles and Alpharetta Preston March 20 – Richard and Jeannie Barnett Have you ever wanted to go to a Promise Keeper’s Conference, but thought they were too far away? Well here is the opportunity you have been waiting for. A PK Conference will be held in Peoria, IL on June 13-14 which is a Friday and Saturday. Registration costs are $79 for adults and $59 for those 18 and under. You can register by calling toll-free 1-800-888-7595 or at the PK web site at www.promisekeepers.org. Do you like to write? If so, the Newsletter Team could use your help. The team is responsible for writing the material for the church’s monthly newsletter called The Grace Forum. Current team members are: Eric Hays, Karen Knight, Paul Kunkel, Karilyn Newnam, Gary Ricketts (team leader), Todd Searing and Gordy Wilson. Please feel free to contact any of the team members for more information and/or to express your interest. Team meetings are being held every other month. Bored? Come eat and play board games! It’s the "Wearin’ of the Green" on Friday, March 14 at 6:30 pm in Fellowship Hall. The Loaves and Fishes group will be serving Corned Beef and Cabbage (hot dogs will be available, also).Bring your favorite board game to share. There’ll be lots of good food, fun with board games and good fellowship. Don’t forget to wear something green! Bring your family and friends and join us in plenty o’fun!
12/16/02 Frances Nelson Health Center would like to, again, thank Grace United Methodist Church and St. Matthew Lutheran Church for your continued advocacy and support as we strive to meet our mission to provide medical care to the medically under served and uninsured adults, seniors, babies and children of Champaign County. We are very grateful for your recent generous contribution of $256.00 to our health center. And, we are especially honored to have been chosen from among area agencies to receive this offering from your joint Thanksgiving Service.Our patients need so much, and for them, we thank you. Sincerely, Andrea Goldberg, R.N. Site Director ———-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------— Golden Cross Ministries Of the Illinois Great Rivers Annual Conference 2002 Report Thank you for your continuing support of the Golden Cross Ministries in the Illinois Great Rivers Conference. Your Golden Cross gifts given throughout the year and forwarded to the Conference Treasurer are sent to ten ministries on your behalf. During the year, individuals often give to the individual ministries and indicate their local church name. We report theses gifts to you so that you are aware of the gifts that are given and so that your local church can receive credit. In years past, all the ministries have reported these gifts directly to you. This year, we are using a revised system, where four of the ministries (The Baby Fold, Chaddock, Wesley Village, and The United Methodist Children’s Home) are reporting to us, and we, in turn, are sending you the information as part of the end-of-year report. Other ministries who have communicated directly with you will continue to do so. May God bless your generosity to our ministries which grant people of all ages – in all stages of need – a future with hope! Grace Church received a rebate check for $91.23 from IGA for the month of December.Thank you to everyone for using your Jerry’s IGA HVC card and having it designated to Grace UMC. Soup & Sandwich Benefit Lunch 11:30 am, Sunday, March 2 in Fellowship Hall. Come enjoy some homemade soup and sandwiches following the 10:30 worship service. A free-will donation will be taken. The proceeds will be given to benefit a member of the church. Tray favors for Champaign Co. Nursing Home Saturday, March 15, 1:00 pm at the church. We will be assembling gift bags for residents of the Nursing Home to be given on St. Patrick’s Day. All help will be appreciated. Pledge to Mission The UMW is not meeting on a regular basis this year, but we offer you the opportunity to pledge to UMW to continue mission work world-wide. This is what United Methodist Women have pledged to give: Prayers – to experience growth and renewal in our relationship to God and to our sisters and brothers: Time – to respond to human needs through study, action and reflection; Gifts- through UMW, to share in the global mission of the church. Some examples of what the pledge money does: -provides clean water and nourishing food -pays for medical care -builds new churches -ministers to the needs of children -supports missionaries Below is a copy of a pledge card. Please consider prayerfully about pledge giving, which is the foundation for mission work through United Methodist Women Please send your pledge to the church office or give to Barb Wood, treasurer. Thank you for your prayerful consideration.
As a member of UNITED METHODIST WOMEN, I assume a part in the support of its work through the local, the community, and the global ministries of the church. For the coming year, I pledge $__________ to the budget of the local unit. NAME_____________________________________________________________ ADDRESS ________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________ Spotlight on Small Groups – Adult Sunday School Classes If you do not currently attend an adult Sunday School class, we hope you can participate in one of the classes offered for adults. All of the classes welcome new participants. The Seekers Sunday School Class is currently finishing a study of the book of Matthew. We are looking for suggestions for future topics. We invite you to come to our class and to bring your ideas. June Schwartz is the leader for the Seekers. The Forum Sunday School Class uses FaithLink, where each week a different topic is discussed. The topics are drawn from current events and presented by FaithLink with both a biblical and a United Methodist perspective. If you have to miss a Sunday, you can join in at any time since each week is a different topic. We invite you to come to our class. Barb Woods is the leader for the Forum. The Young Adult Sunday School Class uses Bible study as well as discussing problems and issues faced by young adults. We invite you to come to our class. Jim Ferguson is the leader of the Young Adults. Wide Awake Sunday School Class uses the Adult Bible Studies. Starting March 2, the Spring series begin and is titled "Jesus, God’s Power In Action". We invite you to come to our class. Bobbie Ford is the leader of the Wide Awake class. All small groups are invited to submit information about their group or a particular event hosted by their group to the newsletter. The information needs to be submitted no later than the 15th of the month to the church office, or e-mail Karilyn Newnam (knewnam@msn.com). An Evening of (Mostly) Southern Gospel Music A & A Christian Music presents A Night of Southern Gospel Music Featuring:
With: Ted Long Arlie Neaville Rebecca Deinstadt And Other Guests March 2, 2003 At 6:30 PM At Grace United Methodist Church 2004 S. Philo Rd. Urbana, IL For more information Call 344-1719 |
