MID-WEEK LETTER from Grace United Methodist Church

April 12, 2007 Editor: Linda Entwistle

LAST WEEK:

By tradition, Holy Week is always an intense time within the church.

It is central to all that the Christian faith represents and believes.

In the context of that larger story, Grace Church experienced many of those Christian practices and beliefs in very personal ways last week.

We were called upon to share in each others' sufferings and blessings, joys and sorrows. We welcomed Scarlette Li into both Rev. Mike's immediate family and the larger family that is Grace. We participated in the funeral of Pauline Meier, a long-time member of the church. We participated in meals of celebration and meals of compassion. Snowbirds returned, refreshed, ready to re-engage. Other members are yet missing from our physical circle, recuperating from health challenges- and we continue to reach out through prayers, cards, phone calls, and visits.

It was, indeed, a week rich in the spirit and Christian faith. May we all carry that with us into our personal lives in the year ahead.

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FOOD PANTRY NEEDS:

The food pantry was given the opportunity to help out a family of ten this week, so we could use just about anything to help replenish the shelves.

Of particular need are cereal (8 kids go through a lot of cereal in a week!), juices, and pork and beans.

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FINANCIAL UPDATE: To date, we have had:

Income of $66,014 Expenses of $61,792

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

Thursday, April 12: J.O.Y. sharing group meets at 7:00 in the parlor.

Saturday, April 14: The XYZs are off to Bloomington to see the Passion

Play.

* The first Jericho Retreat worship service begins at 5:30. Contact Rev. Mike if you are interested in participating.

Sunday, April 15: * Seminar on "Death and Dying" begins today. It  will meet during Sunday school time (9:45-10:30)

in the Seekers Sunday school classroom. Contact Bob Hackl if you would like to participate.

Grace Years worship service at Parkview in Savoy at 2:00.

College-age Bible study at 5:00.

High school youth meet at 6:30 in the pastor's study.

Monday, April 16: Growing in Grace rehearsal at 4:00 in the sanctuary.

Tuesday, April 17: Quilters will meet at 6:30.

Angelus hand bell choir will rehearse at 6:30.

Chancel Choir will rehearse at 7:30.

Wednesday, April 18: 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.

Mission ministry team will meet at 7:00 in the Seeker's Sunday school room.

WellSpring service at 7:30 in the sanctuary.

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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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