MID-WEEK LETTER from Grace United Methodist Church

January 18, 2007 Editor: Linda Entwistle

LAST WEEK:

A couple of weeks ago, Richard King made a prayer request for cold weather, so that Grace would be able to take its annual ski trip.

Due in large part to the cultural background I grew up with and due to my own personality, I sometimes struggle with prayer. What is it appropriate to ask God for? Proper weather for a mini-vacation? I wouldn't have thought so.

But, then, after participating in the ski trip for five years, I've changed my mind. Believe it or not, things happen on the ski trip that strengthen one's faith and belief.

There was the year we pulled out of the church parking lot in a rain that was just turning into snow. The weather went from bad to worse, and it took us two hours to reach Bloomington. Along the way, we were watching cars sliding into ditches and barely missing posts on their way down. My son and I were traveling in different vehicles, and believe me, I did a lot of praying for everyone's safety that night. The decision was made to turn around and come home. We got back just after midnight. And I have seldom felt so strongly that God was indeed with us.

Then there was the year that after the trip, Eli told me about an "adventure" that he had had on the slopes. And now, every time he stands at the top of a hill, my stomach knots and pulse races, and I do indeed pray, because I fear more than broken bones. And at the end of each trip, I am profoundly grateful to God for my children.

At the retreat center, an only child learns what it means to have to live with 3 or 5 or 7 roommates. Over-protected children (not mine, of course) learn what it means to spend large amounts of time out of their parents' eyesight and to be responsible for their own decisions.

Guests who do not attend church have the experience of seeing others' faith displayed simply and sincerely- prayer before a meal, before hitting the slopes, and at worship on Sunday morning.

We have people who come along solely to be of service to others- those who serve as chefs and those who stay indoors to watch younger children and to act as a message center amid all the coming and going.

And we have people who come just to be with loved ones- some choose to stay at the retreat center for quiet conversation or play time with a child.

We've had our share of bus adventures, too. We've been known to have to sit at the side of the road or in a parking lot for an hour or three.

Interesting cross-family and cross-generational things tend to happen in these intervals. An adult may strike up a conversation with a teenager about video animation. A mom starts french-braiding all the girls' hair. The parent of an older child trades for a younger one, and reads books about horses and bugs and fairy princesses.

That's what being a Christian is. Faith and belief in God, and always striving for connections and right relationships with our fellow man.

So I will pray for God's blessings upon the ski trip and be thankful for whatever form it is in which He chooses to send them.

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FOOD PANTRY NEEDS: canned meats, tuna, and cookies

FINANCIAL UPDATE: To date, we have had:

Income of $12,461 Expenses of $8,451

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THE CALENDAR: (Please note especially items marked with an asterisk).

Friday, Jan. 19: * Grace annual ski trip departure at 5:00.

Sunday, Jan. 21: Grace Years worship service at Parkview at 2:00.

* Ski trippers return in the late afternoon.

* THERE WILL BE NO YOUTH GROUP MEETING DUE TO THE

SKI TRIP.

Monday, January 22: Growing in Grace rehearsal at 4:00 in the sanctuary.

Tuesday, January 23: Quilters will meet at 6:30.

Angelus hand bell choir will rehearse at 6:30.

Chancel Choir will rehearse at 7:30.

Wednesday, Jan. 24: Men's Breakfast Group will meet at 6:30 a.m. in the fellowship hall.

Grace Years worship service at Canterbury Ridge at 3:00.

Cherub Choir will practice at 5:30.

Life Song will practice at 6:30 at the Aters' home.

WellSpring service will begin at 7:30 in the sanctuary.

Thursday, Jan. 25: J.O.Y. sharing group will meet at 7:00 in the

parlor.

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If you know of someone who is in need of pastoral care, please contact the church office (328-1414) or respond to the e-mail address above.

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